The stage is set for a highly anticipated Copa America clash between five-time World Cup champions Brazil and the in-form Colombian national team. The match, scheduled for Tuesday in North California, carries significant weight beyond just determining the Group D lead. For Brazil, securing a quarterfinal spot remains a priority, prompting coach Dorival Junior to field a full-strength squad. However, the Selecao faces a delicate situation with key players Vinicius Junior and Lucas Paqueta walking a tightrope on a yellow card. Should they be booked against Colombia, they risk suspension for the quarterfinals. Eder Militao and Wendell, also on yellow cards, share the same danger.
Meanwhile, Colombia has already secured their place in the quarterfinals, leading to speculation that coach Nestor Lorenzo might opt to rest captain James Rodriguez. The midfielder was substituted with less than 20 minutes remaining in their previous match against Costa Rica, but Lorenzo clarified it was a precautionary measure. Colombia also has three players – Jefferson Lerma, Richard Rios, and Jhon Cordoba – on one yellow card each, putting them at risk of missing the quarterfinals.
In light of these crucial considerations, here’s a look at the predicted lineups for both teams:
Brazil:
* Goalkeeper: Alisson
* Defenders: Danilo, Beraldo, Marquinhos, Arana
* Midfielders: Guimaraes, Gomes
* Forwards: Savio, Pereira, Rodrygo, Endrick
Colombia:
* Goalkeeper: Vargas
* Defenders: Munoz, Sanchez, Cuesta, Machado
* Midfielders: Castano, Uribe, Arias
* Forwards: Sinisterra, Duran, Diaz
As both teams navigate their respective challenges, this Group D showdown promises to be a thrilling encounter with the potential for significant repercussions in the Copa America tournament.
