COPA GROUP D: BRAZIL v COLOMBIA - URUGUAY OR PANAMA IN THE QUARTERFINALS

Colombia holds a well-deserved first place in Group C with two consecutive wins, while Brazil is in second place after a disastrous draw and a solid win. This match is extremely important, as the second-place team will face Uruguay, whereas the group winner gets the advantage of playing against Panama. Naturally, both teams would prefer to avoid Uruguay, especially considering Uruguay's victories over both Brazil and Argentina a few months ago in the South American World Cup qualifiers.

It will be a tough match that will reveal whether Brazil has finally found their form after a poor first game, followed by delivering 4 goals against Paraguay in the second match. Colombia has met expectations with two straight wins, maintaining their strong form from the South American World Cup qualifiers, where they are third in the standings behind Argentina and Uruguay.

BRAZIL

Before their convincing 4-1 victory over Paraguay, Dorival Junior made two significant changes: he benched Raphinha for Savio and adjusted the team's formation to a 4-2-3-1. Both moves paid off handsomely. Brazil must win. Expect Brazil to field their strongest lineup, including Vinicius Jr., who made his debut on Friday.

BRAZIL predicted lineup vs Costa Rica ( 4-2-3-1 ): Alisson; Danilo, Marquinhos, Militao, Wendell; Guimaraes, Gomes; Savio, Paqueta, Vinicius Jr.; Rodrygo

COLOMBIA

Colombia have already secured a spot in the quarter-finals, so Nestor Lorenzo might consider resting his usual starters against Brazil. However, Los Cafeteros will still aim to take all three points from the Selecao and clinch the top spot in Group D. A player who has been missing since Colombia's opening match against Paraguay is defender Jhon Lucumi, who is dealing with a minor leg injury. It is uncertain if he will play.

COLOMBIA predicted lineup vs Brazil (4-3-3): Vargas; Munoz, Sanchez, Cuesta, Mojica; Rios, Lerma, Arias; Rodriguez, Borre, Diaz

WORTH NOTING: Colombia defeated Brazil in the South American World Cup qualifiers in October 2023 with two goals from Liverpool star Luis Diaz – keep an eye on him! He has scored one goal in this tournament so far.

Considering Brazil's inconsistent form, I'm predicting a draw between these two teams. It will be a tough battle to see who gets to face Panama.