“Could be a turning point”
©IMAGO
Due to a last minute goal, Brazil achieved a victory in the qualification for the 2026 World Cup. After two draws against Uruguay and Venezuela, the team of coach Dorival Júnior won 2-1 (1: 1). FIFA World Footballer Vinicius Junior from Real Madrid marked the decisive goal in the ninth minute of stoppage in the Mané Garrincha stadium in the capital Brasília.
Brazil started strong in the first qualification game of this year and took the lead after six minutes through a converted penalty from Raphinha. Vinicius Junior had brought it out. Shortly before the break (41st minute) Luis Díaz (FC Liverpool) equalized to the ex-Munich James Rodríguez.
The second half was characterized by numerous fouls and game interruptions. Brazil’s goalkeeper Alisson (FC Liverpool) had to be replaced due to injury. Only late in injury time Vinicius Junior made the decision with his goal from a distance. “Today’s gate is a little relief and a feeling of happiness, and it could be a turning point,” he said after the final whistle regarding the many criticism that the Seleção had to put on.
Due to the victory, Brazil initially jumps to third place in the South America qualification with 21 points from 13 games. World champion Argentina is at the top with 25 points and one game less, Ecuador also has 22 points for twelve games. On Tuesday (local time) there is a top duel between the two arch-rivals-but without the superstars Neymar and Lionel Messi.
Both suffer from muscle problems. For Neymar it would have been the selection comeback after around 17 months of injury break. For the tournament in the USA, Canada and Mexico, the first six of ten teams qualify directly, the seventh place has to go to the relegation.
