Brasília, Mar 21 (UNI) Vinicius Jr's last-gasp goal snatched Brazil victory over Colombia, while Paraguay overcame Chile and Peru returned to winning ways against Bolivia.
Luis Diaz was moments away from turning Brazil’s hangman once again. This Brasilia battle would, however, belong to a winger in canary-yellow rather than black. Vinicius Jr won a penalty early on and then scored his first goal in FIFA World Cup 26™ qualifying, deep into stoppage time, to snatch the W.
Elsewhere, centre-back Omar Alderete made it two winners in three games with the only goal for Paraguay against Chile, while Peru beat Bolivia to move off the bottom and give themselves a shot at reaching the global finals. Ecuador-Venezuela and Uruguay-Argentina will complete the round on Friday, according to a FIFA media release.
(1st) Argentina-25 points, (2nd) Brazil-21 points, (3rd) Uruguay – 20 points, (4th) Paraguay-20 points (5th) Ecuador-19 points, (5th) Colombia-19 points, (7th) Bolivia-13 points, (8th) Venezuela-12 points, (9th) Peru-10 points, (10th) Chile-9 points.
Paraguay 1-0 Chile: Paraguay goal: Omar Alderete (60).
Omar Alderete grabbed the only goal as Paraguay overcame Chile in Asuncion on Matchday 13 of South American qualifying for the FIFA World Cup 26. The result moved La Albirroja up to fourth – at least temporarily – and heightened the troubles of La Roja.
The two No7s had the best chances of the first half. First, Lucas Cepeda forced Paraguay goalkeeper Gatito Fernandez into smart save, before Ramon Sosa stylishly shuffled inside two challenges, only to sky his shot.
Paraguay made the breakthrough in the second. Juan Caceres headed an Enciso free-kick towards goal, Tony Sanabria flicked it on, and Alderete struck it home at the back post.
Brazil 2-1 Colombia: Brazil goal: Raphinha pen (6), Vinicius Jr (90+9), Colombia goal: Luis Diaz (41)
Vinicius Jr’s deflected strike settled an even, end-to-end encounter. The Seleção got off to a flying start when The Best FIFA Men’s Player for 2024 pipped Daniel Munoz to the ball and was tripped. Raphinha sent Camilo Vargas the wrong way with the resulting penalty.
As the half wore on, Colombia, with Diaz a constant source of torment, began to take control and it was the Liverpool man who put them on level terms. James Rodriguez capitalised upon a defensive lapse and fed Diaz, who cleverly worked just enough space to arrow the ball into the bottom corner. The second half was opportunity-shy but, just before its end, Vinicius tried his luck and got a big reward.
Peru 3-1 Bolivia: Peru goals: Andy Polo (37), Paolo Guerrero (45), Edison Flores (82): Bolivia goal: Miguel Terceros (58).
Polo pounced on a loose ball to put Peru ahead, before playing in Guerrero, who muscled off his marker and steered it home to double the lead. A handball got Bolivia back into it, Terceros just beating Pedro Gallese from the spot.
La Verde threw everything at their hosts thereafter, but a poor clearance enabled La Blanquirroja to put the contest to bed. Flores’s first shot was parried, but he fired home to rebound to hike hopes of a great escape.
World Cup participations: Brazil (22), Argentina (18), Uruguay (14), Chile (9), Paraguay (8), Colombia (6), Peru (5), Ecuador (4, Bolivia (3), Venezuela (0).
Best World Cup finish: Brazil: Champions (1958, 1962, 1970, 1994 & 2002), Argentina: Champions (1978, 1986 & 2022), Uruguay: Champions (1930 & 1950), Chile: Third place (1962), Peru: Quarter finals (1970 & 1978), Colombia: Quarter-finals (2014), Paraguay: Quarter-finals (2010), Ecuador: Last 16 (2006), Bolivia: Group stage (1930, 1950 & 1994).
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