By Robbie Blakeley, Senior Contributing Reporter
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – Brazil drew 1-1 with Colombia last night in the Seleção‘s 1,000th official game. In an unconvincing performance, the Colombians went ahead before Neymar scored a beautiful equalizer in the second half.
The youngster later missed a penalty to seal victory for Brazil. The result means that in over two years in charge of the side, Mano Menezes has still never defeated an opponent ranked in the world’s top ten.
Brazil had made an impressive start, Kaká again showing a promising resurgence in form, but as the half progressed the team faded. The number eight had the Seleção’s best chance, hitting the bar with an audacious effort from outside the area.
Two minutes before half-time Colombia took the lead, Cuadrado powering past Leandro Castan and drilling the ball home. Neymar came out refreshed for the second period and tested goalkeeper Ospina twice before finally leveling.
Dribbling down the left, he beat two markers before deliciously curling the ball inside the far post. But hero turned to villain ten minutes from time when he blasted a penalty over the bar, leaving the game all square at the final whistle.
Read more (in Portuguese).
* The Rio Times Daily Updates feature is offered to help keep you up-to-date with important news as it happens.
Editorial responsibility: Matthias Camenzind, Editor-in-Chief · Editorial standards · Report an error