Uruguay closer to 2026 World Cup qualification after draw with Brazil
Looking unlikely to finish top of CONMEBOL qualification for a fifth time in succession, an inconsistent Brazil side (W5, D2, L4) began determinedly back on home soil, dominating possession in the opening quarter-hour.
In response, the closest the visitors came to calling Ederson into action was Federico Valverde’s 30th-minute free-kick that rippled the side netting. A lack of clear-cut chances was the theme of an unimaginative first half, as Raphinha – who netted a brace in the Selecao’s last H2H victory back in October 2021 – disappointingly dragged his shot wide 10 minutes before the break to conclude the action.
However, Uruguay manager Marcelo Bielsa’s HT team talk clearly inspired his side into action come the 55th minute, as Valverde’s determination to get past his marker allowed him the space to curl a shot into the far corner.
Nonetheless, the visitors’ lead did not last very long, as Gerson got Brazil back on level terms with a fierce volley from the edge of the area that flew straight past Sergio Rochet.
Following that seven-minute spell, both nations again failed to deliver in front of goal for the rest of the game, as only an effort straight at Ederson from substitute Rodrigo Aguirre and a rocket from Raphinha that whistled over the bar got the supporters off their seats.
A point apiece will play more into Uruguay's hands than the five-time World Cup winners, with La Celeste remaining in second place, five points behind group leaders Argentina, and more importantly, seven points clear of the inter-confederation play-off spot with six qualifiers to play.
Meanwhile, Brazil disappointingly occupies fifth, albeit with a five-point buffer in the automatic qualification positions.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Federico Valverde (Uruguay)
