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Jeison Murillo's first-half strike was enough to give Colombia their first competitive win over Brazil since 1991. Jose Pekerman’s side overcame the disappointment of losing the opener to Venezuela by ending Brazil’s 11-game winning run in a game that was marred by ugly scenes at the end.In a tight first half in which both sides struggled to create too many chances, Murillo’s close-range strike gave Colombia the lead. In the end, Brazil’s lack of creativity meant that Colombia managed to hold onto their advantage without having to expend too much effort. Both sides are now level at three points and stay below Venezuela, on account of having played a game more. Here are the major talking points from the game -
#1 Tensions boil over after full time
After a game that threatened to blow up a few times, only to subside thanks to some smart refereeing, shameful scenes meant that the pair’s first competitive clash since the World Cup quarter-final didn’t portray either side in very good light.
The shameful scenes at the end of the match in Santiago kicked off when Neymar thumped a ball into the back of Pablo Armero just as the Chilean referee Enrique Osses blew for full-time. Immediately, second-half substitute Carlos Bacca shoved Neymar in the back and that followed was an ugly scuffle between both sets of players in which Armero had to play peacekeeper and stop Brazil’s Robinho from aggravating the situation even further.
Although the game had 39 fouls, it was never in danger of becoming a disgrace, which, thanks to the post-match actions of both players, it became.
#2 Neymar needs to control his actions
Temperament is just as important as talent in football. And Neymar’s reactions and antics off the ball might just end up costing Brazil the tournament, even while his football is keeping them in the tournament.
If his yellow card in the opening game was silly, his red card after the full-time whistle for kicking a ball at Pablo Armero was even worse. Just like in the World Cup, Brazil will now go into a crucial match without his services and might even end up getting knocked out of the tournament.
While there is little doubt about the Barcelona forward’s talent, he needs to learn to develop restraint or else he will cost his side far too often.
#3 From despair to delight
Colombia’s defeat to Venezuela in the opening encounter prompted some to wonder if Pekerman’s job was at stake if Los Cafeteros had failed to get beyond the group stage. But the win over Brazil now means that they hold all the cards as they go into their final game against Peru.
While the performance itself wasn’t anything flashy and had plenty of points that could’ve been improved such as the performance of Radamel Falcao, it was one that highlighted the resilience of this side and their ability to hold their own under pressure.
In an intense game, it was Colombia’s calm heads that prevailed as the duo of James Rodriguez and Juan Cuadrado created panic. If they continue the same level of performance, not only will they get out of the group, but will also turn out to be one of the contenders for the tournament itself.
#4 Brazil look devoid of creativity
While injury to Oscar before the Copa America hasn’t helped Brazil’s attack, it looks as though the Selecao have learned nothing from last year’s World Cup. A year after they were found out for being a one-man team in attack, they continue to employ the same tactics and that might result in them getting knocked out at the group stages.
While their defence is hardly the best, their attack was so blunt that even at 1-0, Pekerman’s side were coasting along to a win. Although they toiled long and hard, the only major scare that David Ospina had was when goalscorer Murillo under-cooked a backpass.
Unfortunately for Dunga, Roberto Firmino’s shot from 12 yards flew over the bar and with it, Brazil’s chances of taking anything away from the game. With Neymar now suspended for the final game, it looks as though same lessons might be taught yet again.
#5 Old scars still linger
Although it has been a year, Brazil have struggled to get the mauling by Germany out of their system. The number of records that were broken in that game coupled with the scars it created on players has left an indelible mark on Brazilian football.
While this defeat to Pekerman’s team was nowhere near the same level, there were plenty of broken records all the same. The defeat was Brazil’s first in 12 matches and Dunga’s first loss since taking over following their disastrous 2014 World Cup.
It was only Colombia's third win over the Selecao in 28 meetings with Brazil and the first time they have beaten them at Copa America since their 2-0 triumph in 1991.
