Vinicius' late goal seals Brazil victory over Colombia in World Cup qualifiers

A stoppage time goal from Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr provided Brazil a 2-1 victory over Colombia in the South American World Cup qualifiers on Thursday.

Helped by the win, Brazil climbed to second place in South American qualifying with 21 points, four behind leader Argentina and one ahead of third-placed Uruguay, who both have a game in hand. 

Colombia, despite the loss, remains in sixth place with 19 points. Only the top six teams will qualify for the World Cup, which will be held in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

Brazil opened the scoring at their home in Arena BRB Mané Garrincha Stadium with a penalty. The five time world champions were awarded a spot kick in the sixth minute of the game after Vinicius was fouled inside the box by Daniel Munoz. Raphinha converted the kick into a goal. 

Colombia returned the favour in the 41st minute through Liverpool winger Luiz Diaz. He converted James Rodriguez's pass into the bottom right corner. 

The determination to find the back of the net kept the game alive in the second half, as both Brazil and Colombia made multiple attempts to raid the penalty box.

Nine minutes into the added time, a curling shot from Vinicius at the edge of the box beat Colombian goalkeeper Camilo Vargas, securing Brazil the valuable three points. 

In other matches, Peru defeated Bolivia 3-1, while Paraguay edged past Chile with a lone goal from Omar Alderete.