By Amanda Langell
Brazil's starting lineup against Colombia at Copa America 2024 will once again feature the Real Madrid trio of Eder Militao, Vinicius Jr., and Rodrygo as the Selecao look to end Los Cafeteros' 25-game unbeaten streak.
Dorival Junior faced a lot of criticism for Brazil's 0-0 result against Costa Rica, but the manager responded well with an altered starting XI and formation for his team's next match. Raphinha and Arana were benched for Savio and Wendell, and Brazil, led by the world-class play of Vinicius Jr., earned their first win at Copa America 2024.
If the Selecao want to emerge as the Group D winners, though, they will need to defeat Colombia, a team who has not lost since February 2022. To keep Brazil's momentum going, expect Dorival Junior to stay true to the 4-2-3-1 formation that allowed his team to score four goals.
Here's what Brazil's lineup could be against Colombia on July 2.
Brazil predicted lineup vs Colombia (4-2-3-1)
GK: Alisson - Alisson had his first big performance of the tournament against Paraguay, facing 15 shots (six on target) and saving five, preserving Brazil's comfortable lead.
RB: Danilo - Danilo has been Brazil's most consistent player at Copa America 2024 so far, and will continue to start as their captain.
CB: Marquinhos - After completing the most passes against Paraguay, Marquinhos will be called upon again on Tuesday to lock down Colombia's chances in the final third and then play the ball forward to his talented midfielders.
CB: Eder Militao - Militao will get his first real test since returning from his lengthy ACL injury as he faces Colombia's front three who cannot seem to stop scoring.
LB: Wendell - Wendell more than proved he is the right starter at left-back after Dorival Junior benched him against Costa Rica for Arana.
CM: Joao Gomes - Gomes continues to be an underrated player on Brazil, always dropping back to defend when necessary and delivering nicely timed tackles to regain possession. The midfielder also is rarely caught out with the ball at his feet.
CM: Bruno Guimaraes - Bruno was the first player taken out of the game against Paraguay after several heavy tackles and sloppy giveaways. The Newcastle United man will need to bounce back if Brazil want all three points on Tuesday.
RW: Savio - Savio looked ten times better than Raphinha on the right wing, linking up with Danilo to push forward and (eventually) score his first international goal. Expect the winger to start again after his impressive performance against Paraguay.
AM: Lucas Paqueta - Paqueta might have gotten booed after he missed a penalty on Friday, but the midfielder's play in his new attacking role deserved plenty of cheers.
LW: Vinicius Junior - Vini Jr. reminded everyone why he is the Ballon d'Or frontrunner after he scored a brace against Paraguay and dominated the game for 90 minutes.
ST: Rodrygo - Although striker is not Rodrygo's preferred or best position, the Real Madrid player is too talented not to have on the pitch, especially against an injured Colombian defense.
This article was originally published on 90min.com as Brazil predicted starting lineup vs Colombia: Copa America 2024.
