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In a thrilling 1-1 draw with Colombia on Tuesday in California, Brazil advanced to the Copa America 2024 quarterfinals. Colombia, who led Group D with seven points, will play Panama in the quarterfinals, while Brazil, in second place, will play Uruguay, the winner of Group C.
In a thrilling opening fifteen minutes at Levi's Stadium, Raphinha's magnificent free kick into the upper corner gave Brazil an early advantage in the twelfth minute, but Colombia came within millimeters of scoring when James Rodriguez struck the crossbar.
Before Daniel Munoz's excellent through pass from striker Jhon Cordoba tied the score in first-half stoppage time, Colombia had a goal denied for offside by Davinson Sanchez.
After the break, neither team let the intensity waver despite the oppressive heat of California. Although Andreas Pereira attempted a long-range shot to test Camilo Vargas and Raphinha missed a free kick, Colombia managed to hold on for a draw and extended their unbeaten streak to 26 games.
Costa Rica defeat Paraguay to claim third spot in Group D
In Tuesday's Copa America Group D finale, Costa Rica defeated Paraguay 2-1; nevertheless, despite placing third after Brazil's 1-1 draw with Colombia, they was unable to advance to the quarterfinals.
In order to qualify, Costa Rica required both favorable outcomes and a significant swing in goal differential. The team started well, as Francisco Calvo and Josimar Alcocer secured a 2-0 after just seven minutes. In the third minute, Calvo scored from around the six-yard box, and Alcocer, then 19 years old, outran many opponents and beat the goalkeeper with a shot from far outside the box.
However, ten minutes into the final half, Mathias Villasanti rolled into the penalty area thereby setting up Ramon Sosa, who scored his very first goal for Paraguay by blasting the ball towards the top corner, ending Costa Rica's hopes of qualifying. In additional time, Costa Rica almost gave up again from a corner, but goalie Patrick Sequeira stopped Paraguay's equalizer with his fingertip.