Brazil star compares Colombia to 'stone in shoe'
Colombia is like a "stone in the shoe" for Brazil at the Copa America, Bruno Guimaraes said.
Brazil faces Colombia in their final Group D match on Wednesday.
The Selecao, who drew 0-0 with Costa Rica but subsequently thrashed Paraguay 4-1, sit second in the group, two points behind Colombia, which has won both of its matches.
Indeed, Nestor Lorenzo's team is on a 25-game unbeaten run in all competitions.
But Guimaraes is eager to put a stop to that exceptional form.
"Colombia are a stone in our shoe which we're going to try to get out of our way in the next game," said the Newcastle United midfielder.
"They have a lot of players who can decide things individually, they're a very physical team, good to play against. This is the Brazilian national team shirt we are talking about.
"It's going to be a great test for us, a great game that we want to win to finish first (in the group). That's what is required when you wear Brazil's shirt."
While this Brazil squad is lacking superstars, Real Madrid duo Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo certainly add a sprinkle of stardust up top.
Guimaraes believes the pair are comparable to two Selecao greats.
"Vini and Rodrygo are our Ronaldo and Ronaldinho," he said. "Back in the days I was in love with Ronaldo, Ronaldinho and Kaka. We want to bring that back with Vini and Rodrygo."
Colombia beat Brazil 2-1 in World Cup qualifying last year, with Luis Diaz scoring a brace.
Lorenzo, whose side is already sure of its place in the quarter-finals, understands how much another victory over the nine-time Copa America champion would mean to the country.
"I know our fans are excited and who am I to [question] people's emotions," he said. "We are also excited, so let's enjoy it."