In a thrilling moment for Brazilian football, a goal from Vinicius Júnior clinched Brazil’s spot in the 2026 World Cup. This victory marked a historic debut for Carlo Ancelotti as head coach, laying the groundwork for a promising future. The match, held in São Paulo, showcased a tight scoreline of 1-0 against Paraguay, with both teams showing commendable skill and determination.
Simultaneously, Ecuador ensured their place in next year’s tournament with a 0-0 draw against Peru. The defending champions, Argentina, had already secured their spot with a 1-1 tie against Colombia but maintained their lead at the top of the South American qualifying table.
Brazil and Ecuador now sit on 25 points each, although Ecuador ranks higher due to having more wins. Both teams find themselves significantly ahead of the seventh-place nation, providing a buffer as the qualifying phase approaches its conclusion. The top six teams from South America will earn automatic entry to the 48-team World Cup.
In contrast, the Chilean national team, once a titan in the Copa America, is set to miss their third consecutive World Cup after a disappointing 2-0 loss to Bolivia, which ultimately led to the departure of head coach Ricardo Gareca.
The Match Highlights
Uruguay enjoyed a positive match at home against Venezuela, clinching a 2-0 victory thanks to goals from Rodrigo Aguirre and Giorgian de Arrascaeta. This win keeps Uruguay’s hopes alive as they chase a direct spot in the World Cup. Meanwhile, Venezuela holds onto 18 points, one point above Bolivia in the ongoing battle for the intercontinental playoff berth.
In Buenos Aires, the Argentine team faced Colombia in a tightly contested match. Lionel Messi, despite his usual influence, had a quieter evening. Colombia’s Luis Díaz opened the scoring in the 24th minute, which sent a ripple of concern through the home crowd. Enzo Fernandez’s red card in the 70th minute only added to the tension for the more than 80,000 fans at the Monumental de Núñez Stadium. Thankfully for the hosts, Thiago Almada leveled the score in the 81st minute with a well-placed low shot.
Ancelotti’s Homecoming
Carlo Ancelotti’s journey as the new head coach has been one filled with expectations and challenges. After a frustrating 0-0 draw against Ecuador, where fans expressed their disappointment with the team’s defensive play, Ancelotti shifted gears for the match against Paraguay. Celebrating his 66th birthday, he was greeted by a supportive crowd of 46,000, including NBA star Giannis Antetokounmpo, who honored him with a tifo reading “Parabéns, Carleto” (Happy birthday, Carleto).
In a tactical shake-up, Ancelotti placed Gabriel Martinelli in the starting lineup, who, alongside Raphinha, created numerous chances against Paraguay’s defense. Vinicius Júnior, now Brazil’s No. 10, frequently posed a threat, and his decisive goal was born from a mix-up in Paraguay’s backline, set up by a cross from Matheus Cunha.
Vinicius’s celebration was poignant, as he dedicated the goal to Ancelotti, reinforcing a sense of unity and ambition within the squad. “We needed to win here for our people. Now we have more time to work, see what we can improve,” he remarked post-match, expressing an eagerness for the upcoming challenges despite his suspension from Brazil’s next qualifier against Chile.
As the fans celebrated Ancelotti’s arrival in the stadium, it was evident that his influence had already begun to revive a team that had struggled just months prior. Ancelotti expressed confidence in the team’s balance and discussed the adaptability of his players, including the potential role of Matheus Cunha, which could mirror that of Neymar if he regains fitness.
The End of an Era for Chile
Chile’s football scene is facing a seismic shift as the once-lauded golden generation, which celebrated back-to-back Copa America victories in 2015 and 2016, is now on the brink of fading from World Cup contention. Veteran striker Alexis Sánchez voiced the heartbreak felt within the team, acknowledging the need for transformation and growth in the wake of their disappointing campaign. “Sad, I am feeling bad. Never lived something like this. We have to ask people to forgive us,” he stated, reflecting the emotions of a generation that has given so much to the sport.
Bolivia’s success against Chile was underscored by goals from Miguel Terceros and Enzo Monteiro, showcasing the remarkable environment of the high-altitude El Alto Stadium. Following the defeat, Gareca announced his departure, marking the end of a challenging tenure characterized by mixed results.
Upcoming Challenges
As the South American qualifiers head toward their conclusion in September, significant matches loom on the horizon. Uruguay and Paraguay are one point away from securing their spots, setting up critical encounters against Peru and Chile. Colombia, currently in sixth place, will push for qualification against Venezuela and Bolivia, looking to cement a return to the World Cup stage for the first time since 2014. Meanwhile, Bolivia harbors aspirations of playing on the world stage for the first time since 1994. This intense backdrop sets the stage for a thrilling finish to the qualifying campaign.
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