Colombia 1-1 Brazil
Only a few football betting experts counted on Colombia making a huge upset against Brazil, but their draw against the Canarinho is the probably the best football we’ve seen from the Cafeteros as of late.
Betting odds were slightly in Brazil’s favour before the kick-off, given their recent form. Their 2-0 win over Ecuador also convinced many to bet online for the leading country in the South America qualifiers. However, Jose Pekerman and the rest of the Colombians thought of a way to neuter Brazil’s potent attack.
It all starts with the formation Pekerman chose for his side. His 4-2-3-1 may not be as offensively intimidating as Brazil’s 4-1-4-1, but the two extra midfielders in Danilo Sanchez and Abel Aguilar will shore up any holes Brazil’s speedy offence might punch through.
His strategic decision was great, as both sides launched one attack after another. The crowd at the Estadio Metropolitano Roberto Melendez rarely sat for extended periods of time as James Rodriguez and Neymar led daring attacks on the opposition.
The crowd had quite a wait before the nettings of the goals were bothered: Neymar made a terrific pass to a trailing Willian, who made a powerful half-volley shot past David Ospina. Tite and Brazil had the perfect situation by then, ending the first half with the lead and the momentum.
However, Pekerman’s adjustments during the break revitalised Colombia to make a renewed push for goal. The attacking trio of Rodriguez, Edwin Cardona and Radamel Falcao kept the pressure up for Colombia.
The equaliser came in the second half when an early cross from Santiago Arias found Falcao in the box. The Monaco striker headed the ball into the goal, beating an Alisson Becker caught out of position.
The game may have ended in a draw, but those who watched the game saw how the momentum shifted ever so slightly towards the home team. Of course, Neymar and company still made dangerous attacks every now and then, but James and Colombia were more than happy to trade blows.
Now that the dust has settled on this qualifier, I see this as a great victory for Colombia. They were pitted to lose against the red-hot Brazilians and came out of a brutal fight with one point. Props are due to the nation’s coaching staff and very talented players.
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