Brazil seal World Cup spot
Brazil became the first team to qualify for the 2018 World Cup in Russia after they beat Paraguay 3-0 at Sao Paulo on Tuesday night. The five-time World Cup winners notched 33 points from 14 matches as they secured a direct spot, after third-place Uruguay lost 2-1 to Peru in Lima. Brazilian captain Neymar dazzled throughout the game as he scored his 52nd goal for the country.
However, it was Philippe Coutinho who netted the opener for Brazil before Neymar doubled the lead, after missing a penalty. Towards the end, Marcelo scored the third to seal the win.
It was a moment of joy for coach Tite as they arena chanted his name after the win. As soon as he found out that Brazil had secured the World Cup spot, Tite raised his hands to the sky at the end of his press conference and said, “Thank you, dear God.”
Brazil join host nation Russia as the second team to make it to the World Cup. Russia qualified automatically as the host nation.
Argentina thrashed 2-0 by Bolivia
Argentina were beaten 2-0 by Bolivia in their World Cup qualifying match on Wednesday. The loss came hours after captain Lionel Messi was given a four-match ban for abusing an official. Messi was punished after he was found cussing towards an assistant referee during Thursday’s 1-0 win over Chile.
Juan Carlos Arce and Marcelo Martins scored the goals for Bolivia. The result left Argentina fifth in their group, and they are out of the top four automatic qualifying spots. Argentina will now have to qualify for the World Cup via a playoff with an Oceania side.
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