Colombia secured a thrilling 2-1 victory over Argentina in a World Cup qualifying match, avenging their recent Copa America final loss. Meanwhile, Brazil suffered a surprising 1-0 defeat against Paraguay, leaving their qualification hopes in jeopardy.
Key Takeaways
- Colombia avenged their Copa America final defeat with a 2-1 win over Argentina.
- James Rodriguez scored the decisive penalty for Colombia.
- Brazil’s struggles continue with a 1-0 loss to Paraguay.
- Argentina remains in a strong position for World Cup qualification despite the loss.
Colombia’s Sweet Revenge
In a match held at Barranquilla’s Metropolitano Stadium, Colombia showcased their determination and skill against the reigning world champions. The victory was particularly sweet for Colombia, who had suffered a bitter 1-0 defeat to Argentina in the Copa America final just two months prior.
Colombia took the lead in the 25th minute when captain James Rodriguez delivered a precise cross that Yerson Mosquera headed into the net. However, Argentina equalized shortly after halftime, with Nicolas Gonzalez capitalizing on a misplaced pass from Rodriguez.
The turning point came in the 72nd minute when a controversial foul by Nicolas Otamendi on Daniel Munoz led to a penalty. Rodriguez stepped up and confidently converted the spot-kick, sealing the win for Colombia.
Brazil’s Disappointing Performance
In a shocking turn of events, Brazil fell to Paraguay in Asuncion. The only goal of the match came from Inter Miami midfielder Diego Gomez, who scored with a stunning long-range shot in the 20th minute. This defeat leaves Brazil in fifth place in the standings, raising concerns about their qualification for the 2026 World Cup.
Current Standings
| Position | Team | Points | Matches Played |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Argentina | 18 | 8 |
| 2 | Colombia | 16 | 8 |
| 3 | Ecuador | 11 | 8 |
| 4 | Uruguay | 10 | 8 |
| 5 | Brazil | 10 | 8 |
| 6 | Venezuela | 10 | 8 |
| 7 | Paraguay | 9 | 8 |
| 8 | Bolivia | 8 | 8 |
| 9 | Chile | 5 | 8 |
| 10 | Peru | 3 | 10 |
Looking Ahead
As the qualifying campaign progresses, Colombia’s victory boosts their chances of securing a spot in the World Cup, while Brazil must regroup quickly to avoid further setbacks. Argentina, despite the loss, remains in a strong position to qualify, with their eyes set on the upcoming matches.
The next round of qualifiers promises to be just as thrilling, with teams vying for a coveted place in the 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
