SANTIAGO: Colombia saw off Brazil 1-0 in the Copa America in a match that saw James Rodriguez and his team look world-class, while Neymar and Brazil imploded.
The defeat was Brazil’s first in 12 matches and the first game coach Dunga had failed to win since taking over following their disastrous 2014 World Cup.
The scrappy game threw up few clear chances but Colombia put away the one that mattered to get the win over their illustrious rivals and record only their second victory in 10 Copa America encounters against the five-time world champions.
Neymar was booked for handling the rebound from Ospina’s save.
Brazil went for broke in the second half, bringing on Liverpool attacking midfielder Philippe Coutinho for Fred, and immediately looked more threatening as a result.
But they squandered a golden chance to equalise on 58 minutes when Bundesliga-based striker Roberto Firmino missed an open goal.
The ball ended up with Firmino after Ospina made a hash of a clearance. But with an open goal begging, Firmino — reportedly a summer transfer target for Liverpool — blazed over the bar.
