The last two matches of Group D Copa America 2024 ended with results that did not bring many surprises in the group situation.
Brazil and Colombia created an evenly matched match at Levi’s Stadium.
The Selecao were the ones who needed points more, so they tried to gain control of the ball as well as put a lot of pressure on goalkeeper Camilo Vargas right after the opening whistle and after a few missed opportunities, in the 12th minute, the team Dorival Jr. got what he needed when striker Raphinha scored a super goal on the free kick.
The star, currently on Barcelona’s payroll, looked for a long time before launching a shot, sending the ball straight into a dead corner, causing goalkeeper Vargas to fly as far as he could but could not save the goal.
However, Colombia showed in the following minutes why they are the leading team in Group D. Nestor Lorenzo’s team regained composure, tried to hold more of the ball and organize an attack.
Right in the last minute of the first half, from a brilliant rebound on the edge of the Brazilian penalty area, striker Jhon Cordoba made a good wall and creatively passed the ball to defender Daniel Munoz who was running down to face goalkeeper Alisson, just Needing a dangerous shot, Munoz helped the home team equalize the score just before the break.
Munoz (No. 21) helped Colombia regain 1 point from Brazil.
With this result, both teams were qualified to pass the group stage, so in the second half, the game was somewhat cooler compared to the first 45 minutes.
The heat of the match mainly comes from the players’ collisions and conflicts on the field. The score 1–1 therefore remained until the end of the match.
The remaining Group D match between Costa Rica and Paraguay also took place extremely dramatically in the first few minutes even though the chances of both teams to continue before the match were almost gone.
Especially in less than 10 minutes of the first match, Costa Rica scored 2 consecutive goals by Francisco Calvo and Josimar Alcocer, especially in the goal to increase the score to 2-0, Alcocer had a situation of passing the ball. Overcame 2 or 3 opposing players before scoring a dangerous low shot to beat goalkeeper Rodrigo Morinigo.
Despite winning against Paraguay, Costa Rica’s journey at Copa America 2024 has ended.
Having a great advantage, Gustavo Alfaro’s team proactively ceded the game to Paraguay, thereby creating conditions for the opponent to score an honorable goal in the 55th minute by striker Ramon Sosa.
Winning 3 points against Paraguay but with 4 points after 3 matches, Costa Rica was still sadly eliminated from Copa America due to being 1 point behind the 2nd ranked team Brazil. At the top of Group D is Colombia when Lorenzo’s army got 7 points.