There is only one game in the Copa America on Wednesday but is it an absolute cracker.
Brazil take on Colombia in Santiago as the big boys in Group C do battle with recent history suggesting this will be a fiery encounter.
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Colombia were knocked out of the 2014 World Cup by Brazil in a 2-1 defeat that was overshadowed by a back injury to Neymar after Juan Zuniga’s horrific challenge. This is the first time those team have met since that incident, so expect plenty of meaty challenges as they go after it.
With Brazil squeaking past Peru 2-1 in their opening game thanks to Douglas Costa’s late goal, Neymar and Co. will have to up their game to take down Colombia in their pivotal second group game. As for Los Cafateros, they suffered a shock 1-0 defeat to Venezuela in their Copa America opener on Sunday. That means they are desperate for a win to boost their chances of advancing to the quarterfinals.
Brazil vs. Colombia – 7 p.m. ET – FOLLOW LIVE
Radamel Falcao squandered a good to put Colombia ahead but their captain may be buoyed by news that his potential move to Chelsea is edging ever closer. With James Rodriguez, Jackson Martinez and Juan Cuadrado supporting him, Colombia is certainly not short of attacking options but they are coming up against a stubborn Brazil outfit.
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Since Dunga took charge last summer following their World Cup exit at the semifinal stage, Brazil have won 11 straight games and have conceded just three goals in that remarkable run. Can Colombia, ranked fourth in the world, hand them a first defeat since last July? It promises to be an epic encounter as the Copa America continues to deliver plenty of drama.
Hit the “FOLLOW LIVE” links above for live updates on Brazil vs. Colombia, while we will continue to have reaction and analysis from South America’s continental championship throughout the tournament on ProSoccerTalk.
