After a start to 2024 to forget, the Seleçao takes its 7th point in three matches and places itself at the top of the ranking (3rd with 17 points) in the qualifiers for the South America zone for the 2026 World Cup.
She is not yet reassuring about her level of play and in particular about her defensive deficiencies. The Brazilians were notably unable to exploit their numerical superiority at the end of the match after the expulsion of Alexander Gonzalez for a foul on Gabriel (90th).
Scalded by a debacle at altitude in Bolivia 4-0, then a defeat in Paraguay (2-1), Venezuela stopped the bleeding and remained in the race to qualify for the first World Cup in its history.
Vinicius Jr, who promised to do “even more” to convince his detractors that he deserved the Ballon d’Or, shone at times, notably finding the post on a bright pass from Savinho (22nd). But it was especially Raphinha and Savinho, much freer on his right flank, who showed themselves to their advantage. And it was Raphinha with a masterful free kick from the left that opened the scoring (43rd).
The 21-year-old Venezuelan prospect, Telasco Segovia, came on at the break to give the Caribbean country some offensive momentum, pinning Brazil down a minute later (46th) with a powerful right-footed shot after a great maneuver collective.
Brazil then pressed to no avail. Vinicius did obtain a penalty, cut down by the Venezuelan goalkeeper Romo, on a nice escape on the left flank at the edge of the area, but he then failed on the same Romo, author of a save (62nd) which made explode the crowd.
Argentina, despite the opening score by Lautaro Martinez, lost 2-1 in Paraguay, a setback which does not prevent the world champions from remaining at the top of the ranking. Lionel Messi and his teammates remain three points ahead of Colombia, which has a game in hand, and five ahead of Brazil.
In Asuncion, Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martinez opened the scoring in the 11th minute. But the Paraguayans, fighting to secure one of the six qualifying places, quickly equalized on a “bicycle” from Torino player Tony Sanabria (1-1, 19th). The winning goal was scored after the break by Getafe defender Omar Alderete, with a header beyond the reach of Emiliano “Dibu” Martinez (2-1, 47th).
Argentina will have the opportunity to redeem itself next Tuesday when they host Peru, while Paraguay, currently 6th (16 points), will travel to Bolivia, 8th (12 points).
Finally, Ecuador defeated Bolivia 4-0.
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