Brazil secures World Cup berth
Print Edition
BRAZIL became the first team to qualify for the World Cup on Tuesday after beating Paraguay to clinch an eighth consecutive victory as Argentina’s campaign stumbled after the shock suspension of Lionel Messi.
Five-time champion Brazil had been left waiting in suspense after goals from Neymar, Philippe Coutinho and Marcelo ensured a 3-0 win over the Paraguayans at Sao Paulo’s Arena Corinthians.
But Uruguay’s upset 1-2 defeat to Peru in the day’s final South American qualifier combined with other results meant Brazil is mathematically guaranteed a place at next year’s finals in Russia.
The qualification completes an astonishing turnaround for Brazil, which less than a year ago was in crisis after taking only nine points from six games. That run of results had left the Brazilians outside the qualifying places in sixth place.
“When I look at my family — the players — and when we talk to the fans and see how happy they are, that’s when you think ‘I’m part of something very special,’” said Brazil coach Tite, who replaced Dunga.
Against Paraguay, Brazil was already in a party mode, with Coutinho opening the scoring on 34 minutes following a deft one-two with Guangzhou Evergrande midfielder Paulinho.
Neymar had a chance to make it 2-0 in the 53rd minute from the penalty spot only to see his kick saved by Anthony Silva.
In 64th minute, Neymar doubled Brazil’s tally, collecting the ball deep inside his own half and setting off on a surging run down the left flank.
Neymar’s dribble ended with him curling in a shot which took a slight deflection on its way into the Paraguayan goal.
Real Madrid defender Marcelo added a late third to seal Brazil’s win.
While Brazil celebrated, Argentina was left digesting another stumble as it slumped to a 0-2 defeat in La Paz. Bolivia, desperate for three points, tore into Argentina from the opening whistle, spending long periods camped around their opponents’ area.
Juan Carlos Arce opened the scoring for Bolivia on 31 minutes, heading in Pablo Escobar’s inviting cross before Marcelo Martins doubled the home side’s lead early the second half.
Chile moved up to fourth place with a 3-1 win over Venezuela in Santiago, Arsenal star Alexis Sanchez opening the scoring with a stunning early free-kick.
Esteban Paredes scored twice for Chile to give the host a 3-0 lead before Salomon Rondon pulled a goal back for Venezuela.
In Quito, Real Madrid star James Rodriguez scored one goal and set up another for Juan Cuadrado as Colombia beat Ecuador 2-0.
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