Jeison Murrillo scored the only goal of the game and although Hoffenheim’s Roberto Firmino had a brilliant chance to level in the second half he skied his effort with the goal gaping.
There was more drama after the final whistle, with Neymar getting sent off for his role in the post-match pushing and shoving, while Colombia’s Carlos Bacca also saw red for his retaliation.
Fernandinho played all 90 minutes for his country but was unable to help them break down a stubborn and organised opposition, who shackled Neymar effectively throughout.
The defeat curtailed a brilliant run of 11 successive wins for La Selecao since the 2014 World Cup semi final defeat to Germany, and the result leaves Group C a completely open field, with Brazil, Colombia and Venezuela all level on three points.
Brazil’s final group game is against Peru on Sunday, but they will have to find a way to win without captain and talisman Neymar, who has now been banned until the semi-final stage – should Dunga’s men get there.
The boss is determined that the squad will be ready, saying: “I have to wait until Thursday to begin to think how to play. We played once without Neymar [in the recent 2-0 win over Mexico] and we have to be ready, we have a group.
“We would like to have him but it is not possible so we must find a way to overcome it and solve our situation.”
City’s Argentine trio are next in action against Jamaica on Saturday.
