Brazil suffered a humiliating 4-1 defeat at the hands of arch-rivals Argentina in the South American World Cup qualifiers on Wednesday at the Estadio Mas Monumental in Argentina.
The Selecao had an evening to forget as Dorival Junior’s side was outmaneuvered, outwitted, and outplayed by Lionel Scaloni’s Argentina who were without their talisman, Lionel Messi.
The reigning World Champions dominated from the start, with Julian Alvarez scoring in just four minutes, followed by Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez doubling their lead in the 12th minute.
Brazil’s lifeline came midway through the first half when Matheus Cunha scored from a tight angle, narrowing the deficit to 2-1.
However, Argentina regained their two-goal lead before halftime, courtesy of Alexis Mac Allister’s strike.
Despite Dorival’s triple substitution at halftime, introducing Leo Ortiz, Joao Gomes and Real Madrid’s Endrick, Brazil failed to mount a comeback.
Argentina, unbeaten against Brazil since their 2-0 loss in 2019, squandered multiple opportunities to increase their advantage before substitute Giuliano Simeone sealed the victory with his maiden international goal in the 71st minute, putting the finishing touches on a resounding win and inflicting Brazil’s worst-ever World Cup qualifying defeat.
This triumph over their arch-rivals in the Superclasico secured Argentina’s spot in the 2026 World Cup in North America, joining the United States, Mexico, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, and Iran as the six qualified nations.
The South American gainst are now undefeated in their last five clashes against the World Cup record holders, Brazil, proudly boasting an impressive record of four wins and one draw.
Brazil, meanwhile, sits fourth in the South American World Cup qualifying standings with 21 points from 14 matches.
Brazil will be seeking to reverse their fortunes in the September internationals, where they will face Ecuador on home soil and Paraguay away, as they strive for a record 23rd World Cup appearance and aim to claim their first title since 2002.
The post 2026 World Cup qualifiers: Messi-less Argentina blew away Brazil to book a spot in North America first appeared on 3News.
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