A 36th minute Jeison Murillo strike caused the first major upset of COPA 2015 as Colombia recorded their first win over favorite of the tournament and globally favorite Brazil for the first time since 1991. This makes the situation of group C very interesting as Columbia now joins the mix of getting into business session .The enigmatic Brazilian captain Neymar got the red card meaning his COPA 2015 is over. Brazil has needs a win over top of the table Venezuela in their last group match which many thinks may be extremely challenging without Neymar.

The group C standing after the match today looks


Going by the brand of football played Colombia was definitely the worthy winner. They appeared with a game plan of not letting and co match space to maneuver and surprise Brazil with sharp counter forays. Apart from the goal conceded and match lost the telling blow was Neymar getting the marching order for an ugly brawl after the match. The referee showed red to both Neymar and Bacca – nearly chasing Neymar into the tunnel to do so. The red for Neymar was virtually meaningless since he was already missing the next match due to his second yellow accrued in the match.  Now even if Brazil scraps through to quarter final where their possible opponent will be Argentina Neymar may not play.

Brazil have won 18 out of the 28 previous head to head contests and lost only twice. The teams are fierce competitors. In the last world cup they met in the quarter finals. The match saw frayed tempers as both sides indulged in physical more than artistry. James Rodrguez and Neymar were both targets of ugly tackles. Neymar was injured and was out of World Cup. Brazil scrapped through and was humiliated by Germany in the semifinal.

Both sides played fast and ball kept flowing from end to end with rapid frequency. Columbians looked conscious of their limitations and opponents reputations. They packed their defense and challenged every ball making it difficult for fleet footed Neymar. Columbia was quick in counter attack as Falcao and Rodrigues were stinging the Brazil deep defence like bees. Brazil started conceding free kicks and was looking vulnerable for conceding goal.

Finally the all-important goal came from a goal mouth melee in the 36 th minute created out of a free kick of Juan Cuadrado. The ball landed at the feet of Jeison Murillo and he beat Jefferson easily taking Columbia to the lead 1-0. Falcao almost made it two three minutes later. Freed in the Brazil danger area Falcao struck wide from a vintage angle. Brazil almost equalized through Neymar in the 43 minute through Neymar.A gorgeous ball played in by Dany Alves created opening in Columbian defense. Sharp and agile Columbian custodian Ospina made a hair –trigger saves. Neymar desperate to level the score committed hand ball and was booked. The first half ended with Brazil in arear 0-1.

Second Half
Brazil Coach Dunga substituted Fred with Coutinho to bring dynamism in the attack as Brazilians were finding it difficult to penetrate deep .Match lost beauty as players of both sides were looking more and more for opponents’ legs than the ball. Cauntinhos introduction started pushing them more and more into the attack. Brazil dominated the proceeding having lion’s shares of possession. But they failed to create any clear opportunity. Whatever half chances came their way they could not capitalize. Even Neymar failed to inspire with his usual magical ball plays. Rather on counter attacks Brazilians looked vulnerable. On 89th minute James Rodriguez very nearly doubled Colombia’s pleasure with a shot to the far post that Jefferson barely got a hand on. Match rolled on and frustration grew intense in Brazil camp. Columbia recorded the first win against Brazil after 1991 the year incidentally when James Rodriguez was born.

We think Brazilin fans all over the world will not hesitate to accept that the better team of the day won. The 11 Th match winning streak of Brazil after their infamous world cup loss came to an end.

Colombia has beaten the odds to claim an impressive victory against Brazil. And they fully deserve their win. Brazil had not taken it well with the two groups of players were clashing in the middle of the field after the final whistle. Bacca, whose shirt appeared to be ripped, did not look happy with Neymar and Dani Alves. Bacca and Neymer got red cards.

To proceed further into the tournament Brazil had to win against Venezuela in their last group match without having their star match maker Neymar. If they go through traditional rival Argentina will be there in the quarter. Neymar may not be available for that match as well.

Teams:
Colombia: Ospina, Zapata, Armero, Murillo, Zuniga, Sanchez, Valencia, Cuadrado, Rodriguez, Falcao, Gutierrez.
Brazil:Jefferson, Dani Alves, Miranda, Thiago Silva, Filipe Luis, Willian, Fernandinho, Elias, Fred, Neymar, Firmino.

BDST: 1125 HRS, June 18, 2015
AKA