A winner from Vinicius Jr helped Brazil to a 1-0 victory over Paraguay, and secured a spot on the 2026 World Cup on a momentous house debut for brand spanking new head coach Carlo Ancelotti.
The previous Actual Madrid boss had acquired some frustration from followers after Thursday’s 0-0 draw with Ecuador, with Brazil far more defensively-minded than is typical of a facet so famed for its attacking expertise.
The Italian coach, who turned 66 on Tuesday, promised adjustments to make his group extra aggressive as they appeared to e book a spot at subsequent summer time’s event in america, Mexico and Canada.
He was welcomed by 46,000 followers in Sao Paulo, as Arsenal’s Gabriel Martinelli changed midfielder Gerson so as to add extra creativity, whereas Barcelona ahead Raphinha returned after suspension and created downside after downside, paired with new Manchester United recruit Matheus Cunha up high.
A low cross from Cunha was completed by Vinicius Jr on the stroke of half-time, and though the Selecao ought to have gained by extra, the efficiency was way more managed and composed than Ancelotti’s first in cost.
“We needed to win here for our people. Now we have more time to work, see what we can improve,” Vinicius Jr stated. “We need to celebrate this. After September it is all about the World Cup.”
After the ultimate whistle, a clip of Ancelotti’s first days on the job had been proven on huge screens across the stadium, prompting extra raucous celebration, as if the Italian coach had already reinvigorated a group that, solely three months in the past, appeared misplaced and doomed.
Vinicius Jr celebrated with Carlo Ancelotti after placing Brazil 1-0 up
Ancelotti insisted his squad was balanced regardless of containing 4 strikers. “It’s no problem to play with three or four up front. We need 10 players to run, to sacrifice,” he stated.
“Rodrygo did this many times, I know him well. And Neymar will also do it.”
Brazil, who stay the one group to play in each version of the World Cup, transfer to second spot within the South American qualifying standings with 25 factors, 10 behind Argentina however, crucially, greater than six factors away from the seventh-placed group with two video games remaining.
Diaz scores stunner as Colombia held by Argentina
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Argentina rescued a 1-1 draw at house to Colombia after Liverpool’s Luis Diaz scored a sensational solo aim to stun the world champions
Defending champions Argentina, already certified for subsequent yr’s event, rescued a 1-1 draw at house to Colombia on Tuesday night time after Liverpool’s Luis Diaz scored a sensational solo aim to stun the 80,000 followers on the Monumental de Nunez Stadium.
Diaz weaved previous a number of Argentina gamers earlier than firing previous goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez handy struggling Colombia a shock lead.
Enzo Fernandez was then despatched off within the second interval, which was adopted by Thiago Almada’s equaliser 9 minutes later. The purpose retains Colombia sixth within the hunt to safe an automated qualifying spot – they are going to play for his or her World Cup future later this yr in opposition to Bolivia and Venezuela.
