Corinthians was eliminated from the South American on Tuesday (28/5) after losing to Huracán-ARG and América de Cali-ARG drawing in injury time
Corinthians’ elimination from the Sudamerica Cup was “cruel and cruel”. In addition to being in injury time, the decisive goal went through an experienced World Cup player who was Timão’s executioner in 2024. On Tuesday night (27/5), the team was eliminated after losing to Huracán-ARG and seeing América de Cali-COL score an equalizer in injury time, with the participation of Colombian Juan Fernando Quintero.
The final whistle of Corinthians’ 1-0 defeat to Argentina, away from home, was blown at practically the same time that América de Cali tied the match and secured second place in Group C of the South American Cup, making it to the playoffs. Huracán secured the lead in the group with 14 points, eight more than the Colombian team – which tied with Timão, but with a two-goal difference. In last place was Racing-URU, with just one point. But the last-place team only failed to score three points instead of one due to a dramatic scenario.
Until almost the end of Corinthians’ match, the Brazilian team was qualifying for the playoffs despite the defeat to Huracán. However, América de Cali scored a goal in the 50th minute of the second half after much insistence. Needing a point to qualify since the Brazilian team was losing, the Colombian team crushed Racing-URU. The massacre was seen throughout the match and is illustrated by the numbers: 31 shots (nine on target), three great chances, 76% possession and 13 corners.
However, despite being dominated, Racing took advantage of a mistake by the opposing defense and opened the scoring in the 30th minute of the second half. From that moment on, as they were being eliminated at home, América de Cali accelerated even more and tied the game in a very courageous move by the captain, number 8 and technical leader of the team. Juan Fernando Quintero, known as Juanfer or Quintero, was the man of the match: he made eight decisive passes, created two great chances for his teammates and had seven shots, three of which were wide, two blocked and two correct. And one of these shots on target occurred in the 49th minute of the second half.
In a free kick from the right, Quintero “ignored” all his teammates in defense, took it to the middle and kicked hard. Goalkeeper Lautaro Amade, who made nine saves in the game, palmed the ball forward and it fell to Jean Carlos Pestaña, who simply tapped it into the opposing goal. A goal that crowned América de Cali’s perseverance and Juanfer’s audacity, who decided to finish despite having the chance to lift the ball into the area.
