Copa America 2021: Brazil edges past Colombia controversially, Ecuador held by Peru
The Copa America 2021 held its Matchday 7 commitments on Wednesday night. A couple of matches were held involving the North Zone as Brazil sealed its quarters' berth. Meanwhile, other teams remain in contention as we present the round-up.
FollowMatchday 7 of the 2021 Copa America saw a couple of more matches from the North Zone. While defending champion Brazil sealed its quarters' fate, the status of the other teams remains uncertain. On the same note, we present the round-up from Wednesday's matches.
Ecuador held by Peru
In the opening contest of the evening, Ecuador was up against Peru at the Estádio OlÃmpico Pedro Ludovico Teixeira in Goiania. The match turned out to serious right from the opening whistle, as Renato Tapia's own goal handed Ecuador the opening lead in the 23rd minute before Eduar Preciado doubled it at the stroke of half-time.
Nevertheless, following the break, Peru sprung up a surprise, as it upped its ante, with Gianluca Lapadula pulling one back in the 49th, while André Carrillo drew level six minutes later. No further goals resulted, as both shared the honours, while their status for the quarters still hangs in the balance, with Peru placed third, followed by Ecuador in fourth.
Stats
- Ecuador registered 13 corners during the game, the most by any side this edition.
- Peru became the first side this edition to not win a single corner in a game.
Brazil breaks Colombian hearts following controversial equaliser
In the second game of the evening, Brazil took on Colombia at the Estádio Nilton Santos in Rio de Janerio. The game was off to a competitive start, with Luis Diaz powerful side volley putting Colombia ahead in the tenth minute, as it led at half-time.
While Brazil came out with an all-out attacking approach in the second half, it was not until the 78th minute when substitute Roberto Firmino headed in the equaliser. However, controversy surrounded it, as the ball had ricocheted off the referee right before Renan Lodi assisted Firmino.
While the Colombians protested, Argentine referee Nestor Pitana called for a Video Assistant Referee check, as it seemed like he was about to blow the whistle for a drop-ball before playing the advantage. However, after the VAR check, the goal stood in favour of the Brazilians, as the Colombians were visibly distraught.
Not sure if it demoralised Colombia, as, in the 100th minute, Casemiro headed in the winner off a corner from Neymar to seal the win and maintain Brazil's unbeaten record at home since 2014. While Colombia remains in the quarters' race, being placed second, Brazil had already sealed its fate even before the game, confirming the top spot.
Stat: Brazil's late winner in the 99.22 minutes was the second most delayed goal in the tournament's history after Arturo Vidal scored against Bolivia in 2016 at 99.48.
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