On July 3, Brazil will face their toughest opponent in Group D of the Copa América, Colombia. Ahead of the match, Brazilian manager Dourival expressed his belief in a competitive fixture, but also in his team’s ability to secure victory and top spot in the group.
Sitting second in Group D with four points, Brazil needs a win at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara to snatch first place from Colombia, who have won both their matches so far. Dourival, who previously coached Colombia’s captain James in São Paulo, acknowledged the familiarity with his opponents’ strength. “I believe this is the strongest generation of Colombian football in recent years,” he said. “They have players competing for major clubs around the world, many of them in Brazil. There’s no doubt it will be a fierce match, but it might not be overly open, as both teams will be cautious defensively. We aim to perform at our best.”
Colombia boasts an unbeaten streak of 25 games, including a 2-1 victory over Brazil in a World Cup qualifier last November. However, the 62-year-old Dourival emphasized his focus on his own team. “Colombia is an interesting squad with a 25-match unbeaten run, which doesn’t happen by chance; it’s the result of hard work,” he noted. “We must be aware of the moment we’re in and the challenges we may face, finding solutions. I believe the Brazilian team has evolved, it’s a gradual process, but it’s happening.”
Dourival also confirmed that he wouldn’t rest key players like Militão, Paquetá, and Vinícius Jr. due to potential yellow-card suspensions, stating his preference for fielding “the possible best lineup.”
