CONMEBOL acknowledged on Wednesday the refereeing error in a play that could have been decisive for Brazil in Tuesday’s match against Colombia, which ended 1-1, valid for the third round of the group stage of the Copa América. The play in question was a penalty committed by Colombian full-back Muñoz on Vinicius Júnior, in the 42nd minute of the first half.
“In the 42nd minute, during a dispute for the ball inside Colombia’s penalty area, a defender does not touch the ball, and, as a result of the dispute, a reckless contact is produced. The referee (Jesús Valenzuela-VEN) fails to observe the action and allows the game to continue. The VAR (led by Mauro Vigliano-ARG), in its protocolary check, analyzes from different angles, speeds and considerations and fails to identify that the defender does not touch the ball before making reckless contact with the attacker. The VAR incorrectly confirms the original decision on the field”, explained the entity through an official video.
Brazil completes the quarter-finals draw 🤩⚽️
A @CBF_Football completes the CONMEBOL quarterfinals @CopaAmerica 🙌🇧🇷#CreeEnGrande | #Always believe
— CONMEBOL.com (@CONMEBOL) July 3, 2024
The Brazilian team failed to overcome Colombia in the match, but the controversial mistake occurred when Brazil still had a 1-0 lead on the scoreboard, and could have created a great goal opportunity for the team. Muñoz himself would tie the game five minutes later, which makes the mistake even more serious.
With the draw, Brazil finished the group stage in second place with five points and will now face Uruguay in the quarterfinals next Saturday, at 10 pm (Brasília time), at Allegiant Stadium, in Las Vegas. Colombia, in turn, finished in first place with seven points and will face Panama, also on Saturday, at 7 pm, at State Farm Stadium, in Glendale.
Source: Gazetaesportiva
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