Colombia secured top spot in Group D of the 2024 Copa América with a 1-1 draw against Brazil at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California, setting up a quarter-final clash with Panama.
According to a report by Flashscore, the result extended Néstor Lorenzo's side's unbeaten streak to 26 matches (W20, D6).
Colombia, needing only a draw to confirm their group summit, started aggressively. James Rodríguez nearly put them ahead early on with a powerful free-kick that rattled the crossbar. However, it was Brazil who struck first. Raphinha, reinstated to the starting XI, justified his selection by curling a free-kick beyond Camilo Vargas' reach in the 14th minute.
The match, played before an almost sold-out crowd, saw both teams pushing for more goals. Colombia thought they had equalized when Davinson Sánchez headed in, but VAR ruled it out for offside. James Rodríguez continued to threaten, forcing a crucial save from Alisson before halftime. In added time, Jhon Córdoba's exquisite pass split Brazil's defense, allowing Daniel Muñoz to score his third international goal, leveling the match.
The second half started with Raphinha nearly replicating his first-half strike, his free-kick narrowly missing the target. Colombia responded with Córdoba, who failed to capitalize on a clear header, sending it weakly into Alisson's hands. As the game progressed, the intensity remained high. Substitute Rafael Santos Borré had a golden opportunity to seal the win for Colombia in the 84th minute, but he squandered Luis Díaz's perfect cross, missing an open goal.
Despite the late miss, the draw was enough to see Colombia through as group winners. They now face Panama in the quarter-finals, aiming for their first Copa América title since 2001. Brazil, finishing second, faces a tough challenge against Uruguay, who boast a perfect record in the tournament so far.