Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimaraes was in action on Tuesday night as Brazil failed to secure top spot in their Copa America group.
Brazil had started the tournament with a draw and a win, and went into their final group game knowing that they had to beat Colombia to finish top.
However, they were unable to do that. The Selecao, with Bruno Guimaraes in the middle of the park again, were only able to draw 1-1 in California after former Toon target Raphinha‘s free kick was cancelled out by Daniel Munoz’s equaliser.
The draw means that Bruno and co will face Uruguay in the quarter final on Saturday night, just hours after Newcastle United‘s England representatives compete in their own quarter final of Euro 2024.
It is a tough tie for Brazil, who would have set up a quarter final date with Panama had they triumphed over Colombia. However, there is still the prospect of a Brazil vs Argentina final, with the World Cup holders competing on the other side of the draw.
How Bruno Guimaraes played for Brazil
Bruno, who is still a transfer target for Manchester City, played 86 minutes for Brazil against Colombia before being replaced by Douglas Luiz.
The 26-year-old has started every Copa America game so far, and picked up his first booking of the tournament on Tuesday night for a culmination of fouls. That is something he became good at avoiding at Newcastle in the second half of last season, having been on the brink of a two-game suspension since the middle of January.
Bruno almost got his first goal of the tournament against Colombia, having combined well with Raphinha to get a chance on the edge of the box in the 10th minute. However, his tame effort was comfortably saved.
He was then caught out of position for Colombia’s equaliser, but through no fault of his own. Bruno ran back onto the pitch after receiving treatment for an injury, only for Colombia to make it 1-1 before he could get where he needed to be in front of the defence.
It was a mixed night for Brazil against a strong Colombia side, but Bruno was certainly the most impressive midfielder in yellow compared to Wolves’ Joao Gomes and West Ham star Lucas Paqueta.
Globo Esporte gave Bruno a rating of 5.5/10, which was only bettered by Raphinha from the starting XI.
On Bruno, Globo wrote: “He made a dangerous shot from outside the area in the ninth minute of the first half. He distributed good passes (he made 44 of 49) and ran a lot to close spaces. In the final stage he made a lot of fouls and received a yellow card for stepping on James Rodríguez.”
Goal were much kinder in their ratings, giving Bruno a score of 7/10.
They wrote: “Solid as usual in the center of the pitch. Ran the show, but picked up an unnecessary yellow.”
Copa America over for Newcastle United’s other South American star
While Bruno’s Copa America journey continues, it is over for Miguel Almiron.
He started in attack for Paraguay, who were beaten 2-1 by Costa Rica to end the competition with three defeats out of three.
It was a miserable end to the tournament for Almiron, who was substituted at half time after receiving a yellow card.
He will now prepare for pre-season duties on Tyneside, although it remains to be seen how long he will remain a Newcastle United player amid speculation over a move away from St James’ Park.
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