Brazil soccer crew on the finish of their match in opposition to Venezuela in a FIFA World Cup Qualifier. AP
A shocking Eighty fifth-minute equalizer from Eduard Bello earned Venezuela a uncommon draw at Brazil whereas world champions Argentina made it three wins out of three in South American World Cup qualifying with a hard-earned 1-0 win over a decided Paraguay on Thursday.
Darwin Nunez struck a stoppage time penalty as Uruguay fought again for a 2-2 draw with Colombia in Barranquilla whereas Ecuador obtained their first factors with a final gasp 2-1 win at Bolivia and Chile beat Peru 2-0.
A 3rd-minute purpose from Nicolas Otamendi was simply sufficient for Lionel Scaloni’s Argentina, with Lionel Messi coming off within the bench within the second half and hitting the woodwork twice.
Brazil have by no means misplaced to Venezuela in a aggressive fixture and have solely as soon as earlier than, in 2009, didn’t beat the Vinotinto in World Cup qualifying, however they have been left pissed off after Bello’s sensible late leveller.
Brazil took the lead when Neymar had a shot pushed large within the forty ninth minute and from the ensuing nook, taken by the striker, Arsenal defender Gabriel rose on the close to submit to angle dwelling a advantageous header.
The purpose compelled Venezuela right into a extra adventurous strategy and Wilker Angel flashed a header simply large from a 62nd-minute nook.
Rodrygo then discovered himself in an amazing place within the field however the Actual Madrid winger blasted his shot into the facet netting.
With 5 minutes left, the house crowd in Cuiaba have been left shocked when Jefferson Savarino whipped in a cross and Bello lept acrobatically to blast a spectacular overhead kick previous Ederson.
The consequence leaves Brazil in second place within the 10-team qualifying standings, two forward of Colombia and two behind Argentina.
Messi’s battle for full health inevitably dominated the build-up to Argentina’s try to keep up their 100% document and the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner began on the bench with Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez main the assault.
Nevertheless it was veteran defender Otamandi who supplied the second of attacking inspiration, assembly a Rodrigo De Paul nook with a superb volley on the again submit.
Atletico Madrid midfielder De Paul went near doubling the lead three minutes earlier than the break when he struck the submit and moments later Nicolas Gonzalez fired simply large.
Messi changed Alvarez within the 53rd minute as Scaloni seemed to interrupt down a disciplined and properly organised Paraguay facet however the woodwork foiled their talisman.
An inswinging nook from the best virtually snuck in, however struck the submit after which, after profitable a free kick on the sting of the field, Messi curled his shot in opposition to the identical submit.
Colombia paid the worth for squandering a collection of possibilities to place the sport to mattress after taking a 2-1 lead within the 52nd minute via Mateus Uribe.
James Rodriguez put Colombia forward within the thirty fifth minute, bringing down a cross from Santiago Arias along with his proper foot after which drilling dwelling along with his left.
Uruguay drew stage only a minute after the restart when Mathias Olivera was left unattended to go dwelling a Nicolas de la Cruz nook.
However Colombia restored their lead when Luis Diaz burst inside from the left flank and fed Rafael Borre, whose low cross was tucked dwelling by Uribe.
Luis Diaz then missed a wonderful probability for a 3rd when he was despatched via, one on one, with the goalkeeper however scooped his shot excessive over the bar.
Rodriguez noticed a low shot from contained in the field strike the submit and a minute later fed Jhon Arias, who clipped his shot in opposition to the bar.
Uruguay escape
Uruguay escaped with a degree after Colombia goalkeeper Camilo Vargas rushed off his line and collided with Maximiliano Araujo.
Vargas was dismissed for a second yellow card and Liverpool striker Nunez stored his cool to bury the penalty and provides Marcelo Bielsa’s facet a valuable level.
Kendry Paez, the 16-year-old Ecuadorean prodigy, turned the youngest participant to attain in a CONMEBOL World Cup qualifier when he put his crew forward in opposition to Bolivia in La Paz with a composed end within the forty fifth minute.
An incredible shot on the flip from Rodrigo Ramallo levelled for Bolivia earlier than a defensive lapse allowed Kevin Rodriguez to seize the winner for Ecuador within the sixth minute of stoppage time to depart Bolivia nonetheless and not using a level.
A second half purpose from Diego Valdes and a Marcos Lopez stoppage-time personal purpose gave Chile a 2-0 win over Peru and depart them in fifth place, stage on 4 factors with Uruguay and Venezuela. Peru and Paraguay are presently exterior the qualifying spots with a degree every.