Copa America 2024: Brazil Coach Dorival Junior Reacts to Vinicius Junior Suspension Against Colombia, Stresses Need to Play Without Big Stars | LatestLY

Brazil secures quarterfinals spot after 1-1 draw with Colombia. Vinicius Junior suspended. Coach Dorival Jr calls for other players to step up.

Brazil and Colombia faced off in their final Group Stage match at the Levi's Stadium, with the game ending in a 1-1 draw. This result saw Colombia secure the top spot in Group D, while Brazil finished in second place. However, Brazil will be without their star player Vinicius Junior in the quarterfinals against Uruguay, as the Real Madrid forward received his second yellow card of the tournament and will be serving a one-game suspension.

Head Coach Dorival Jr expressed his thoughts on Vinicius Junior's suspension, emphasizing the need for other players to step up in his absence. He acknowledged the challenge of playing without key players and highlighted the importance of the team coming together to fill the void left by the absence of stars like Neymar and Vinicius Junior.

The game itself saw Brazil take an early lead through a well-taken free kick by Raphinha in the 12th minute. Colombia fought back and equalized just before halftime, with the match ending in a draw. Brazil felt aggrieved by a decision not to award them a penalty after Vinicius Junior was fouled in the box, with Dorival Jr criticizing the referee's lack of decisiveness in the key moment.

Looking ahead, Colombia will face Panama in the quarterfinals, while Brazil is set to take on Uruguay in what promises to be an exciting match. Despite the absence of Vinicius Junior, the Selecao will be looking to rally together and secure a spot in the semifinals of the Copa America 2024.

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