Colombia beats Brazil in Copa America

A first-half goal from Jeison Murillo gave Colombia a 1-0 win over Brazil at the Copa America on Wednesday.

The scrappy game threw up few clear chances but Colombia outmuscled their more illustrious rivals to record only their second win in ten Copa America encounters against the five-time world champions.

Defender Murillo seized on a loose ball to get the all-important goal nine minutes before half time after a Juan Cuadrado free kick had bobbled around in the box.

Neymar had the chance to level the match just before halftime but his poorly placed header off a Dani Alves cross was saved by Colombian goalkeeper David Ospina on the goal-line.

Roberto Firmino should have equalised for Brazil 13 minutes into the second half but he skied a golden chance over the bar with the goal gaping after a miscued passback by the Colombian defense.

The match ended with a fracas as Neymar struck a ball right at defender Pablo Armero after the whistle, which upset teammate Carlos Bacca enough to shove Neymar to the ground. Both Neymar and Baccer received red cards from Chilean referee Enrique Osses.

The win leaves Colombia and Brazil tied at the top of Group C along with Venezuela, who play Peru on Thursday.