Copa America 2015: TV, Live Stream Schedule, Predictions for Wednesday's Fixture
Both Brazil boss Dunga and Colombia head coach Jose Pekerman have plenty to think about ahead of Wednesday's Copa America clash.
The Samba Boys grabbed a less-than-convincing 2-1 win over Peru in their opening Group C fixture, inspired by a goal and assist from Neymar. Los Cafeteros suffered a shock 1-0 defeat to Venezuela thanks to Salomon Rondon's winner halfway through the second half. As such, it's win or almost go home for the Colombians.
Let's take a look at the fixture details before previewing and predicting the match ahead:
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Fixture: Brazil vs. Colombia, 2015 Copa America Group C
Location: Estadio Monumental David Arellano, Santiago, Chile.
Date: June 16, 8 p.m. ET/June 17, 1 a.m. BST.
Live Stream: Available to watch live via beIN Sports and beIN Sports Play for U.S. viewers. Premier Sports subscribers can also stream the game live using Premier Player HD.
Colombia Must Focus on the Result, Not Revenge
Many will remember Brazil knocking Colombia out of last year's World Cup with a 2-1 victory in Fortaleza. Goals from Thiago Silva and David Luiz ensured James Rodriguez's late penalty was inconsequential.
However, the match is perhaps most famous for Neymar sustaining a broken bone in his back after a wild knee from Juan Zuniga. The talisman fractured his vertebrae and missed the following 7-1 semi-final defeat to Germany, a series of events which symbolised Brazil's failure to win their own tournament.
Zuniga was booked in the first match and will now come head-to-head with the player he made cry in front of a global audience. Colombia will be looking to make this a physical match—perhaps the only way to stop Brazil's speedy passing game finding its rhythm—but they cannot get hung up on reversing last year's result by combative means only.
Pekerman's side enjoyed 60 percent possession against Venezuela, per Soccerway. Ten of the side's 16 shots missed the target, and despite 10 corners, Alain Baroja's goal remained relatively safe.
Captain Radamel Falcao, who scored just four Premier League goals on loan at Manchester United during the 2014-15 season, posted yet another ineffective performance. Spanish publication Marca, as tweeted by Sport Witness, made its feelings known:
Brazil were constantly caught out against speed and incision at the World Cup. Defenders such as Luiz and Dani Alves have a tendency to wander upfield, so Pekerman must employ a greater counter-attacking threat. His search for sharpness means it would be a wise decision to drop Falcao.
Porto striker Jackson Martinez could link excellently with Sevilla's Carlos Bacca, two men who remained in goalscoring form throughout the European club season. They are powerful, quick and make the subtle bursts of movement which can catch Brazil out.
With Rodriguez distributing the ball and Juan Cuadrado busting a gut from the flank, the spaces Brazil naturally leave will be key. Dunga will be aware of this, though, and he should look to control the game in the centre of his 4-2-3-1 formation.
Neymar's individual quality thrust Brazil to victory in their first match, as highlighted below:
Like last year's World Cup tie, you suspect Colombia will focus on stopping him before anyone else. The Barcelona forward is growing increasingly clever at drawing opponents into frustrating battles, so Pekerman's side simply cannot let him irritate. If he skips beyond tackles, so be it. Racking up cautions isn't going to help Colombia, especially if they need a result in the final match with Peru.
ESPN FC's Tim Vickery believes Brazil will look to stifle Rodriguez's influence on the ball by keeping the battle physical: "Fernandinho coped with the talented young Colombian by kicking him all over the pitch (at last year's World Cup). The battle resumes on Wednesday night."
Colombia must employ a disciplined, cut-and-thrust style of play to get the better of a Brazil team who haven't lost since July 12, 2014. Gaining a result—be it a point or three—would propel the underdogs back among the tournament's most fancied teams.
A head-over-heart performance is needed from many of those who are likely to still be hurting from the World Cup defeat. If the occasion gets the better of Colombia, Pekerman's side may as well pack up their bags and leave.
Prediction: Brazil 2-1 Colombia
