Amarelinha raises her head again after the debut knockout and overwhelms the Caribbean with goals from Savio, Leonardo, Pedroso, Giovane, Gomes and Martins. The ‘Cafeteros’ once again make up for the initial disadvantage to knock Japan out 2-1, resulting in qualification for the round of 16
Brazilian goleada in Mendoza and games (re)open in group D. After the knockout with the Azzurri, Menezes’ Brazilians react in great style, even if the opponent puts a lot of his own into it. In fact, the Dominican Republic turns out to be little stuff and the balance lasts just half an hour, then Savio starts the goleada closed at 6-0 by Matheus Martins. Now without any concrete hope of qualifying, the Central Americans suffer the beauty of 38 shots and close in numerical inferiority due to the expulsion of Azcona (who will therefore miss the match against Italy). In group C, it is Colombia that takes the first pass for the next phase, thanks to the victorious comeback over Japan (2-1) packaged with a super performance and two goals in the space of six minutes. Great test of the Asprilla jewel, author of the momentary draw.
Brazil-Dominican Republic 6-0
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Ramon Menezes only changes one pawn compared to his debut: Matheus Nascimento out, Marquinhos in. But what changed above all was the attitude, because this time Amarelinha entered the field with the right hunger. To facilitate the task there is a compliant opponent, who in fact gives Mycael an evening as a non-paying spectator. Only one save in almost 100′ for the Brazilian goalkeeper. Brazil, on the other hand, started shooting right from the start with two clear chances in the first 10′. Biro’s thrust on the left and the agreement between Leonardo and Savio crumbled the Central American defence, held up only by Valdez in the first half hour. But he too had to surrender in the 37th minute, when Savio headed in from a few steps away collecting a precise cross from Biro. Two minutes later, a kind homage from Valdez, Leonardo doubled his lead and the curtain fell on the Dominican Republic. The third green-gold seal is the work of Pedroso with a header from a corner kick (57′), while the poker is from Giovane (82′) with a surgical left foot shot on the far post. To complete the goleada, in full recovery and with the Dominicans already outnumbered due to the double yellow card in Azcona, we think Marlon Gomes, the result of an easy tap-in, and Matheus Martins, the result of a razor from a corner kick.
Japan-Colombia 1-2
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A decidedly more intense and exciting challenge in La Plata between Japan and Colombia, with the South Americans still victorious in their comeback. Japan’s safe start is an illusion, as is the advantage that comes after half an hour of slow paced play and thanks to a sudden shot from Yamane from the edge of the area following a corner kick. Nothing else until then, but disadvantage has the power to rouse South Americans. The reaction is vehement, also because Asprilla finally lights up (albeit in flashes), Puerta and Castillo. Colombia closes the first half in full forcing, after coming close to equaling in three circumstances. Then the one-two between 53′ and 59′ signed by Asprilla (uncatchable shot under seven) and Gutierrez (quick to take advantage of a favorable rebound). The Cafeteros risked in the final, thanks to a touch of hands in the area by Torres punished with a penalty after the intervention of the Var. But Matsuki lets himself be hypnotized by Marquinez and postpones the qualification speech.
May 25, 2023 (change May 25, 2023 | 01:23)
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