Colombia's Jeison Murillo celebrates his goal with teammates during their first round Copa America 2015 soccer match against Brazil at Estadio Monumental David Arellano in Santiago, Chile, June 17, 2015. [Photo/Agencies]

SANTIAGO - A first-half goal from Jeison Murillo gave Colombia a 1-0 win over Brazil at the Copa America on Wednesday.

The scrappy game threw up few clear chances but Colombia outmuscled their more illustrious rivals to record only their second win in 10 Copa America encounters against the five-times world champions.

Defender Murillo seized on a loose ball to get the all-important goal nine minutes before half time after a Juan Cuadrado free kick had bobbled around in the box.

Roberto Firmino should have equalised for Brazil 13 minutes into the second half but he skied a golden chance over the bar with the goal gaping.

The win leaves Colombia and Brazil tied at the top of Group C along with Venezuela, who play Peru on Thursday.