Brazil will have to 'learn to play' without Vinicius against Uruguay, says Junior
Vinicius Junior will miss Brazil's quarter-final against Uruguay after picking up his second yellow card in three games at the Copa America.
Brazil head coach Dorival Junior insists his side must learn to play without Vinicius Junior following their 1-1 draw with Colombia in California.
Junior was shown his second yellow card of the tournament for a challenge on James Rodriguez, and will miss their quarter-final match against Uruguay on Sunday.
The Real Madrid forward, who has scored twice for Brazil at the Copa America, will be available for their semi-final fixture, should they beat Marcelo Bielsa's side.
"Unfortunately, we have already lost a key player like Neymar for a long time," he said.
"And we have to learn that in certain moments, we will not have important players in a game. Others will have to step up. And I think that is the way. We will have a difficult game against Uruguay."
For Colombia, their impressive unbeaten run continued, and they have now failed to lose in 26 straight matches (W20 D6), marking the second-longest unbeaten streak in their history.
Nestor Lorenzo's side face Panama in the quarter-finals at the State Farm Stadium on Saturday.
Despite failing to win the match against Brazil, the Colombia head coach was happy with his side's performance against the nine-time Copa America champions.
"We know that we are in a good moment as a team and we know that we are growing. But it's not easy," Lorenzo said.
"Brazil has great players. They play very well. You can not neglect the team for a second and I think we played a great game.
"We did not win, but whatever the result, my feeling would have been the same. I am satisfied because the team gave a little more and it was difficult to play a rival like Brazil."