Gabriel Martinelli scored a lovely goal just minutes into his second start for Brazil against Colombia on Thursday night, but his team slipped to defeat anyway.

Gabriel Martinelli made just his second start for Brazil against Colombia on Thursday night, having only previously made the lineup for a group-stage match at the World Cup last year.

After a long wait for another chance in the team, Martinelli made the most of his opportunity, helping Brazil to take the lead in the fourth minute.

Martinelli received the ball on the left touchline, before playing it inside to Vinicius Jr. The Real Madrid winger found Martinelli again, who played a backheel back to Vinicius before racing into the box.

Once again, Vinicius returned possession to Martinelli, who fired a first-time finish into the net.

🔥 O gol de Martinelli!

Assista à partida AO VIVO via PPVs 👉 https://t.co/sfquImNSpD#Eliminatorias pic.twitter.com/yyatQUSq3H

— Fanatiz (@Fanatiztv) November 17, 2023

It was the perfect start to the match, but it didn’t last. Vinicius came off injured midway through the first half, and Colombia’s Luis Diaz scored twice to help the hosts turn things around for the win.

Martinelli’s individual performance was very positive, however, completing 91% of his passes, winning six of his nine individual duels, and drawing five free-kicks, on top of his goal and one chance created.

The Arsenal man is sure to continue to get opportunities playing like that, Brazil just need to find a way to kill games off, having suffered a similar late comeback against Venezuela two games earlier.

Next up, Brazil take on Argentina on Wednesday at 00:30 GMT, and it will be interesting to see if Martinelli keeps his place.

Brazil are still hopeful Gabriel Jesus might be involved in the game, but that will depend on how his recovery progresses in the coming days.