Brazil won their second match by two goals but Colombia provided a much stiffer test than Paraguay before them.
Both teams had lots of opportunities and played some really great football; in the first half Brazil came closest through Lucas, Willian and Diego Mauricio while Colombia had good chances from Javier Calle and Edwin Cardona.
Lucas linked well with the right-back Danilo, before dribbling to the edge of the box and firing a good shot which was nicely saved by the pleasantly named Andrés Mosquera Marmolejo. Four Brazilian players combined beautifully for Willian’s goal effort: Alex Sandro played a lovely ball over the top for Danilo who in turn back heeled it straight to Diego Mauricio. Mauricio then dribbled across the box before laying off to Willian who unfortunately saw his shot saved. Before that, Edwin Cardona had cracked the crossbar with a wonderfully struck free kick which Brazilian goalkeeper Gabriel just managed to get his fingertips to.
Just after the break with the score still at 0-0, Willian curled another great effort onto the post. The sheer quality and technique of all these efforts was truly a joy to watch.
On 54 minutes Brazil took the lead. Casimiro headed in from about two yards after Diego Mauricio assisted with a good cross. Ten minutes later it was two nil thanks to some great work from Lucas. He dispossessed Sebastián Viáfara just outside the penalty area, beat another defender and squared it to Willian for a tap in.
Barely a minute had passed before Colombia got one back. Some good dribbling from Fabián Castillo into the area forced a foul by Bruno Uvini and Colombia were awarded a penalty. Cardona converted.
With ten minutes to go Colombia were threatening to equalise and Castillo was a constant menace with his dribbling which was key. However after 86 minutes it was Neymar, who had been quiet all game, with a counterattacking goal that won it for Brazil. A good run saw him beat his man before smashing the ball into the roof of the net from a tight angle – too powerful for the goalkeeper.
Notable performances / players to watch next time
Colombia
Edwin Cardona (Atlético Nacional): Colombia’s best player before surprisingly being substituted with about twenty minutes to go. Cardona looked promising against Ecuador but a lot of what he tried wasn’t coming off for him. Today however he looked very good indeed. He came so close with his wonderfully struck free kick and had a couple of other good long shots too. His passing was impressive and he was integral to Colombia’s good performance in this game.
Fabián Castillo (Deportivo Cali): Was a constant menace to Brazil. His dribbling looks exceptional in terms of close control, pace and quick feet. Won the penalty for his team and at one point looked like he might have scored or created an equaliser.
Andrés Escobar (Deportivo Cali): Also very impressive when running with the ball. Looks like he can dribble very well and he wins a large number of free kicks in dangerous positions.
Brazil
Lucas (São Paulo): Undoubtedly the man of the match. He was absolutely everywhere. He worked tirelessly in midfield to win possession, regularly took on players and beat them, displayed impeccable passing and delivered several quality through balls. And if that was not enough, he got an assist for the second goal and had a few good efforts of his own. A brilliant performance.
Diego Mauricio (Flamengo): Didn’t feature in the first game against Paraguay but introduced himself well in this one getting an assist in the process. Had several opportunities and really should have scored at least once. Still, look out for him later in the tournament and don’t be surprised if he pops up with a few goals. Also contributed well to several attacks.
A lot of the Brazil team played very well. Just want to briefly commend:
Willian (São Paulo): Got a goal and was regularly involved in promising moves by Brazil
Danilo (Santos): Had a bit of a mixed bag against Paraguay but improved for this game. Often looked dangerous playing as an attacking full back.
Casimiro (São Paulo) 
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