Brazil player ratings vs Colombia: Vinicius Junior comes up clutch! Real Madrid superstar's last-gasp wonder-strike saves Selecao as Raphinha pulls the strings in vital World Cup qualifying win

The Real Madrid ace carried the team all evening, and he was rewarded as his stunning strike at the death sealed all three points

A moment of pure magic from Vinicius Junior lifted Brazil to a thrilling 2-1 victory over Colombia in CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifying on Thursday. The Real Madrid star played a key role in the opener and sealed the win with a stunning late strike.

However, the night wasn’t without setbacks, as injuries to midfielder Gerson and goalkeeper Alisson added to manager Dorival Junior’s growing list of absentees, which already includes Gabriel Martinelli, Gabriel Jesus, and Neymar Jr.

Brazil struck first just six minutes in when Raphinha converted from the penalty spot after Vinicius was brought down by Daniel Munoz. The Selecao would suffer a blow after 28 minutes, however, as Gerson was forced off with an injury, replaced by Newcastle’s Joelinton. Just before halftime, Colombia capitalized on a mistake from the substitute, as James Rodríguez threaded a perfect pass to Luis Díaz, who fired home from 18 yards to level the score.

the break, Colombia took control of possession, and the match had a scary moment in the 70th minute when Davinson Sanchez collided with Alisson, leading to a lengthy stoppage. Sanchez was stretchered off, while Alisson, after receiving medical attention, walked off and was replaced by Bento in goal.

As stoppage time stretched past 10 minutes, Brazil pushed for a winner. Guilherme Arana squandered a golden chance at the far post before Vinicius produced a moment of brilliance with just minutes to spare. Cutting in from the left, he unleashed a breathtaking 30-yard strike that soared over the defense and into the net, stunning the stadium.

With the win, Brazil surged from sixth to second in the table, now sitting on 21 points from 13 matches. They trail only Lionel Messi’s Argentina (25 points), whom they face on Tuesday in their final March qualifier.

GOAL rates Brazil’s players from Arena BRB Mane Garrincha…

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  Goalkeeper & Defence

  Alisson (7/10):

  Nothing he could do about Diaz's strike, but was as reliable as ever while on the pitch. Removed in the second half due to injury

  Guilherme Arana (6/10):

  Held his own on the flank defensively, but struggled progressing effectively into the final third.

  Gabriel (7/10):

  Really solid when playing out from the back, and a towering presence at set pieces. Picked up a needless yellow card, though.

  Marquinhos (7/10):

  Calm and composed on and off the ball. Didn't put a foot wrong.

  Vanderson (5/10):

  Struggled to get to grips with Luis Diaz for Colombia's opening goal and found it hard to contain the Liverpool ace for most of the evening


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  Midfield

  Gerson (N/A):

  Subbed off 28 minutes into the match due to injury.

  Bruno Guimaraes (6/10):

  Solid in the middle of the park as normal, but was overwhelmed at times by Colombia's press. His partnership with Joelinton felt more natural after Gerson's departure, but that was expected for the Newcastle duo.

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  Attack

  Raphinha (8/10):

  Scored his penalty well. Played out of position as a No.10, and did well to pull the strings going forward.

  Vinicius Junior (9/10):

  Brazil needed their star man to show up, and he absolutely did. He drew the penalty for the opening goal and smacked home the winner with minutes to spare.

  Joao Pedro (5/10):

  The Brighton man got little to no service but his hold-up play was decent at times. Dorival's still to find the right striker for his system.

  Rodrygo (5/10):

  Showed flashes in moments, but was largely absent in attack. Not his best performance.