Brazil Player Ratings vs Colombia (2-1): Vinicius Junior Seals Dramatic 2026 World Cup Qualifier Win

Heavyweights Brazil clinched a dramatic 2-1 victory over Colombia in their CONMEBOL 2026 World Cup Qualifier at the Arena BRB Mane Garrincha on Thursday night, 20 March. 

Real Madrid superstar Vinicius Junior scored the winning goal for the hosts in the ninth minute of injury time, propelling Brazil from fifth to a provisional second place in the CONMEBOL rankings. Colombia, meanwhile, dropped to sixth in the standings.

Brazil 2-1 Colombia: 2026 World Cup Qualifier Summary

The hosts enjoyed a rapid start on a Thursday. Three minutes into the game, Barcelona star Raphinha sliced the Colombia defence open with a perfectly weighted through ball. Vinicius Junior got on the end of it and turned on his afterburners to barge into the penalty area. Having lost his man, Daniel Munoz attempted a desperate barge, fouling Vinicius Junior in the process. The referee spotted the infraction and promptly pointed to the spot.

Raphinha, who had scored three goals in his last three matches for Barca, converted the penalty, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way and finding the bottom-left corner.

In the 13th minute, Rodrygo danced into the box from the right before firing at goal. His shot went narrowly wide of the far post. The two teams had settled into a lull until Luis Diaz broke it with a well-taken goal in the 41st minute. Colombia captain James Rodriguez brought Diaz into play with a layoff down the left flank. The Liverpool star steadied himself with the first touch before sending the ball beyond club teammate Alisson with his second.

Two minutes into the second half, Vinicius Jr. took aim at goal. Camilo Vargas, however, was alert and made a good save before Davinson Sanchez cleared the ball. In the 54th minute, Vargas produced two more fine saves in quick succession, denying Raphinha and Vinicius.

Desperate, Brazil poured men forward in search of the winner, and in the ninth minute of added time, Lady Luck finally smiled.

FT: Brazil 2-1 Colombia.

– Vinicius Junior wins a penalty & scores the winning goal at the 99th minute.

BEST PLAYER IN THE WORLD. ⭐️🇧🇷 pic.twitter.com/85jzCLTgpU

— Madrid Zone (@theMadridZone) March 21, 2025

Vinicius Junior went for goal with a thumping outside-the-box effort. His strike took a deflection off Jefferson Lerma before zipping past the goalkeeper, thus sealing a 2-1 victory for the Selecao.

Brazil Player Ratings vs Colombia

Here are Brazil’s player ratings in full for the game against Colombia.

Alisson (6.5/10):

The Liverpool goalkeeper had a decent 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier. He made two saves, ed nine recoveries, and played 16 accurate es before coming off in the 78th minute.

Vanderson (6/10):

The Monaco right-back did not make enough of an impact against Colombia. He made a couple of clearances and won three duels but was quite mediocre going forward.

Marquinhos (7/10):

Captain Marquinhos led from the front, instilling order and confidence. He completed 47 es with 94% accuracy, delivered four accurate long balls, made three recoveries, and won five duels.

Gabriel (7/10):

The Arsenal centre-back also had a solid outing against Colombia. He played 38 accurate es, made two interceptions, and was especially solid in the air, winning five aerial duels.

Guilherme Arana (7/10):

Succeeding the likes of Roberto Carlos and Marcelo is a tall order, but we are happy to report that Guilherme Arana has been doing a fine job. Against Colombia, he took three shots, created a chance, and made four recoveries.

Rodrygo (6/10):

The Real Madrid forward still does not look confident in national colours. His work-rate was superb, but except for the 13th-minute chance, he never looked like scoring.

Gerson (6/10):

The Flamengo midfielder looked decent until his thigh injury. Had to come off in the 28th minute.

Bruno Guimaraes (7/10):

Newcastle United star Bruno Guimaraes practically ran the midfield on Thursday. He completed 33 es with 92% accuracy, created three chances, delivered six accurate long balls, and won a couple of duels. Solid shift.

Raphinha (8.5/10):

Easily the player of the match, Raphinha was a force to be reckoned with in the CONMEBOL 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier. He scored a superb penalty, assisted Vinicius Junior’s winner, created three chances, and delivered three accurate crosses. He also made two recoveries, won five duels, and drew two fouls.

Raphinha this season for club and country:

50 G/A
47 Games pic.twitter.com/BznJwE5HyB

— StatMuse FC (@statmusefc) March 21, 2025

Joao Pedro (6/10):

Brighton & Hove Albion forward played his third game for Brazil on Thursday. He made some good runs but could not put pressure on the defenders.

Vinicius Junior (8/10):

Real Madrid frontman Vinicius Junior scored his first 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying goal on Thursday. He, of course, also won the penalty that led to Brazil’s opener. Vinicius had four shots on target, won five duels, and drew four fouls. Finally a performance worth writing home about.

Substitutes

Joelinton (28′) (5/10): The Newcastle man lost the ball in the middle just before half-time, leading to Colombia’s goal. He also lost six duels.

Matheus Cunha (60′) (6/10): The Wolverhampton Wanderers striker helped out at the back but could not a single shot in 30-odd minutes.

Bento Krepski (78′), Andre (78′), Savinho (78′), Wesley (79′), and Leo Ortiz (90′): Not enough of an impact.

Brazil will face arch-rivals Argentina in their next 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier on Sunday, 23 March.