Colombia Down Argentina, Brazil Stunned In World Cup Qualifiers

Colombia avenged their Copa America final defeat with a 2-1 victory over Argentina while Brazil crashed to a 1-0 defeat against Paraguay in South American qualifying for the 2026 World Cup on Tuesday. Skipper James Rodriguez buried a nerveless 60th-minute spot-kick to seal a hard-fought win for Colombia over the reigning world champions, who were without injured captain Lionel Messi. It was sweet revenge for Colombia, who were beaten 1-0 by Argentina in a bitterly disappointing Copa America final loss in Miami two months ago.

"I don't think I've ever scored against them -- there's a first time for everything," Colombia captain Rodriguez said of his winning spot-kick.

"We want to get used to playing finals. Today was just another game, but against a team that has won everything -- this victory tastes even better."