Buenos Aires ∙ Despite showing their mettle and bravado in terms of handball, Argentina defeated Brazil in a World Cup qualifier that turned out to be almost one-sided. They won the match held on Argentina’s home ground 4-1. Argentina, which had already secured its World Cup qualification just before the match against Brazil, made its World Cup qualifying campaign royal with a crushing victory over its arch-rivals. Argentina was leading 3-1 in the first half of the match.
Argentina players celebrate a goal against Brazil (REUTERS/Rodrigo Valle)
Argentina, who won 10 of their 14 matches, became the first team to qualify directly from the South American qualifying round with 31 points. Brazil, who suffered their fifth defeat in 14 matches, dropped to fourth place with 21 points. Ecuador is second with 23 points from 14 matches with seven wins and five draws. Uruguay is third with 21 points from 14 matches with five wins and six draws. Julian Alvarez (4th minute), Enzo Fernandez (12th minute), Alexis Acalister (37th minute), and Juliano Simeone (71st minute) scored for Argentina. Matthieu Kunha scored Brazil’s only goal in the 26th minute. Argentina entered the field without superstar Lionel Messi. Brazil’s superstar Neymar was also absent. During the first half of the match, players from both teams came close to fighting, creating dramatic moments. Players from both teams also came face to face during the break.
Meanwhile, Argentina, the defending champions, qualified for the 2026 World Cup before the match even started. Argentina secured their qualification after the Uruguay-Bolivia match ended in a draw. If Uruguay had lost the match, Argentina would have qualified directly if they had drawn against Brazil.
