The Seleção tops Group B after two games with six points, and is currently two points ahead of Colombia, which has played a game more as Brazil sat out the third round of games over the weekend—the format of five teams per group means not every team plays on the same day as its group rivals.
Brazil has so far lived up to its tag of pre-tournament favorite, scoring seven goals and keeping two clean sheets in its first two games and looking in great shape to defend the title they secured on home soil two years ago.
Again playing the role of the hosts after CONMEBOL—South American soccer’s governing body—stripped Argentina and Colombia of their hosting rights due to a surge in COVID cases and civil unrest respectively, the defending champions have picked up where they had left off, routing Venezuela 3-0 in the tournament opener, before trouncing Peru 4-0 last week in a repeat of the 2019 final.
The win against Peru included Neymar’s 68th international goal, as the Paris Saint-Germain forward moved within nine goals of equalling Pele’s all-time record of 77 goals for the five-time world champions. Brazil coach Tite suggested there were no limits to what the former Barcelona striker can achieve
“I don’t know how far Neymar can go,” he told ESPN. “His technical ability […] I really hope he remains healthy, doesn’t get hurt, that he has that maturity.
“Within the national team, and I believe at his club as well, we are giving him creative freedom and he is giving a contribution to the team.”
Colombia’s situation is somewhat less rosy. A 1-0 win against Ecuador in the tournament opener was followed by a goalless draw against Venezuela and a 2-1 defeat against Peru on Monday night.
The loss leaves Los Cafeteros second in Group B, but only a point ahead of Peru, who has played one fewer game, and two ahead of Venezuela, who also played three games.
Here’s all you need to know ahead of the game.
When is Brazil vs. Colombia?
Brazil takes on Colombia at the Estádio Olimpico Nilton Santos in Rio de Janeiro on Wednesday, June 23. Kickoff is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET.
How to watch Brazil vs. Colombia on TV
The game will be broadcast live on FOX Sports 1, while UniMás and TUDN will carry the game with Spanish commentary.
How to watch Brazil vs. Colombia online
A live stream of the game will be available via FOX Sports, Univision and TUDN’s digital platforms as well as via streaming services fuboTV, Sling TV, Hulu + Live TV and Vidgo.
Brazil vs. Colombia odds
Brazil is a 1-2 favorite with DraftKings and 4-9 with William Hill, while Colombia is a 6-1 and 7-1 outsider respectively and the draw is at 10-3.
The “yes” on both teams to score is at 5-4, while the “No” is at 4-7 and Neymar is a 3-1 favorite to be the first goalscorer.
