Brazil 2-1 Colombia: 5 talking points as Casemiro snatches last-gasp winner | Copa America 2021 

#3 Dubious equalizer from Brazil

Nestor Pitana awarded Brazil a controversial equalizer

The Colombian players were incensed that Brazil's equalizer was allowed to stand, and they were well within their right to express outrage.

Neymar attempted to thread the ball through the defense in the buildup to the goal. But his pass ended up taking a big deflection off referee Nestor Pitana. This, in turn, set the ball in Lodi's path.

In years gone by, play was allowed to go on after the ball hit the referee regardless of him/her changing the trajectory of the ball and/or team in possession.

However, the updated rules of the game state if the ball deflects off a match official and changes the team in possession, the referee is mandated to stop play and proceed with a drop ball favoring the team who lost possession.

Herein lies the crucial point of Colombia's protests. Neymar's attempted pass could very well have been intercepted by a horde of Colombian defenders between the ball and the intended target.

However, Pitana's deflection proved to be a sliding door moment that helped Brazil score their equalizer.

The referee had seemingly wanted to stop play after the ball deflected off him. But he changed his mind upon seeing that Brazil were still in possession.

Technically, the team in possession of the ball did not change so the referee was well within his right to allow play on. However, a potential interception by a Colombian defender before the referee's deflection paints a different picture.

This is one of those gray areas where the interpretation of the law is left at the referee's discretion. And while Pitana stood his ground to award Brazil the goal, another referee might have overruled it.

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#2 Casemiro's strike ensures that Brazil keep up impressive winning run

Brazil have now won 10 consecutive matches

Brazil have been rejuvenated in the last few years. The five-time world champions have not tasted defeat since suffering a 1-0 defeat to Argentina in a friendly in November 2019.

That defeat completed a five-game winless streak for Brazil but they have not looked back since.

They came into the clash with Colombia on a run of nine consecutive victories. And with seconds to go, it looked like their winning run was about to come to an end.

However, Casemiro had other ideas and his last-gasp strike saw Brazil claim a 10th international victory on the bounce.

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#1 Did Gabriel Jesus do enough to retain his starting spot for Brazil?

Gabriel Jesus is on an international goal drought

Big things were expected from Gabriel Jesus when he came through the Palmeiras academy.

While team success has been won aplenty at Manchester City, there is a gnawing feeling that Jesus has not done enough on a personal level. This much is evident as the Citizens are reportedly lining up a move for Harry Kane following the departure of Sergio Aguero.

Having recently turned 24, the Sao Paulo native is expected to be entering the peak of his career. But he has hit a bit of a snag in recent years.

The situation is not much different on the international scene where Tite has persisted with him as one of his focal points in attack. The show of faith has not been reciprocated and Gabriel Jesus is currently on a run of 11 games without a goal for his national team.

The last time the Manchester City man scored for Brazil was in the 2019 Copa America final. His cause was made worse when Roberto Firmino stepped off the bench to score an equalizer.

At this rate, coach Tite might have to start reconsidering his attacking options.