July 4 – South American governing body Conmebol has admitted that VAR committed a mistake by not awarding Brazil a penalty in their final group game against Colombia following a foul on Vinicius Junior.
In the 42nd minute of the Group D encounter, Daniel Munoz tripped the Real Madrid star inside the box and the Brazilian team claimed a penalty, but the Venezuelan referee Jesus Valenzuela as well as the VAR did not award a spot kick.
“After that, we conceded a goal. The referee was decisive. Only he and the VAR didn’t see a penalty, which for sure was there,” complained Brazil manager Dorival Junior.
“In a challenge for the ball inside the penalty area, a defender does not touch the ball,” said Conmebol on Wednesday. As a result, there is a contact that is not reasonable for the action. The referee fails to observe the action and allows play to continue.
“The VAR fails to identify that the defender did not touch the ball before recklessly contacting the Brazilian striker. Therefore, the VAR incorrectly confirms the original on-field decision.”
In the end, Brazil and Colombia drew 1-1, denying the five-time world champions, who have been enduring a difficult tournament, top spot. They will face rivals Uruguay in the quarter-finals while Colombia have an easier task in taking on Panama.
Led by Marcelo Bielsa, Uruguay have won the tournament 15 times while Brazil have only triumphed nine times. In 2019, they last won the Copa America on home soil, defeating Peru in the final.
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