Vinicius Junior saves Brazil in World Cup qualifiers thriller | OneFootball

At Mané Garrincha, the Brazilian national team did what they are there to do: win. But only after a struggle. Not by any stretch. With passion until the very end, Brazil defeated Colombia 2–1 and ascended to second position in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. There was suspense, a first-minute goal, a defense meltdown, pressure, and a packed stadium. With 70,000 spectators at the stadium, Real Madrid's superstar Vini Jr was the man of the game, scoring the tally in stoppage time with a solo, guttural effort.

The first half looked like a party, then turned into a warning

The ball had not even gained any pace when Raphinha established his presence on the game. His pass, a penalty obtained by Vini Jr, and the number 11 took the kick himself, with his left foot, and made the goalkeeper go the opposite way in the fifth minute. The lead was richly deserved, and Brazil wanted to further the lead. Vanderson passed a cross on the right side in the eighth minute, and Vini Jr nearly got his head on the ball to make it go in.

With more possession, the team were switching passes in midfield, waiting for a move by the forwards or a quick switch that would lead to a shot.

But Colombia equalized the match when they tightened their defense and the equalizer was achieved after a brief lapse on the part of the Brazilian defense. Luis Díaz scored in the 40th minute, leaving Alisson with no chance.

Pressure, persistence, and Vini in raw form

If halftime had been a respite, Brazil came backfiring on all cylinders. Real Madrid talisman Vini Jr put his foot on the pedal in the opening minute and saw Vargas make an astonishing save. In the seventh minute, the turn of Raphinha to strike in with vigor. Vargas gave away a rebound, and Vini Jr saw his effort go so close. Then, in the 18th minute, on a counterattack by Vini Jr and Raphinha, Brazil nearly hit the mark. Although Colombia also created some threat on some attacks, the Brazil were more proactive and did not show any signs of slowing down. In the 36th minute, Guilherme Arana tried his shot outside the box, the ball was deflected by a defender and went out for a corner. Brazil comes in waves, and the urge for a win spurred the crowd despite the race against time. Vini Jr cut inside and shot from distance in the 53rd minute. Brazil goal, relief to the players and the crowd, especially Vini Jr. The defense gets unbalanced, but there's equilibrium in the midfield.

If the backline slept through Colombia's goal, the midfield was at equilibrium in indicators. The midfield passing was effective, especially in the first and last 20 minutes. There was interchange between defensive and attacking midfielders, connection between the lines, and most importantly, the courage to try vertical plays.

Despite that, the defense still requires fine-tuning. The conceded goal revealed the inability to cope with high pressure and quick cover. And when Colombia brought the heat, Brazil felt it. That can't be allowed to happen in a game against Argentina, say. And talking about that…

Argentina next up

Time now to take a breath and get ready, because it's a tough one coming up. Argentina, Buenos Aires. A much-loved old favorite always a pressure-cooker one, with depth, which tests maturity, calmness, and character. And demands more of a lift in performance than we have had against Colombia.

To triumph there, Brazil will need to do better. They'll require a tight defense, an innovative attack, and most importantly, a robust mentality. There is no space to repeat the same errors. But there is no excuse to overlook what worked.