Riots overshadow match: Brazil suffers historic home defeat in World Cup qualifying

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First there was chaos in the stadium, later there was a crisis. Brazil loses 1-0 to Argentina and loses a home match in a World Cup qualifier for the first time ever.

The match starts half an hour late as riots break out in the stands. Eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi did not shine, but Nicolas Otamendi scored the decisive goal for the Albiceleste in the 63rd minute with a powerful header from a corner.

With victory at the legendary Maracanã in Rio de Janeiro, Argentina remains at the top of the South American qualification for the 2026 World Cup. The 2-0 defeat in Uruguay last Thursday – the first defeat since winning the World Cup in Qatar – has already been forgotten.

Only sixth in the group

Brazil, meanwhile, is sliding deeper into crisis with its third defeat in a row, after losing to Uruguay last month and Colombia five days earlier. Coach Fernando Diniz’s team dropped to sixth place, which meant direct qualification for the World Cup.

“There was a lot at stake, we had just lost and they had even lost more than once. But this group continues to create historic things. It was not our best or most important performance, but a victory over Brazil in the Maracana is great,” Messi cheered. Argentina had already won the 2021 Copa America final in Rio de Janeiro against Brazil 1-0.

“Olé” when Argentina touches the ball

Before Otamendi’s winning goal, the Brazilian Seleçao is superior and more dangerous against world champions Argentina. Messi had little influence on the game and was substituted with fifteen minutes to go. Brazil ended the match with ten men when Joelinton was shown the red card just a few minutes after being substituted (83′). Ultimately, the disappointed Brazilian fans shout ‘Olé’ every time the Argentinians touch the ball.

There were violent riots before the match. Fans of the two teams were involved in violent altercations in the stands before kick-off. The Brazilian police then used batons, especially against the Argentine fans. The Argentinian players around superstar Messi try to calm the situation, but later retreat to the locker room. (SDA)

Source : Blick