Brazil has become the first national team to qualify for the
FIFA World Cup finals in Russia next year.
Brazil’s 3-0 win over Paraguay last night, along with
defeats for Argentina and Uruguay, means they cannot finish lower than fourth
in South American qualifying.
Goals from Liverpool forward Philippe Coutinho, FC Barcelona
striker Neymar and Real Madrid’s Marcelo secured the win for the South American
giants.
Neymar also missed a penalty kick as his side moved nine
points clear of second-placed Colombia.
The victory was Brazil’s eighth straight win under coach
Tite. However, Paraguay, find themselves five points off the top four with only
four games remaining.
Also two-time World Cup Champions Argentina face a battle to
qualify for Russia after they suffered 0-2 loss to Bolivia in La Paz, leaving
them fifth, a point behind Chile.
They will have to do so without forward Lionel Messi who was
suspended for four matches by FiFA.
The FC Barcelona player was banned for directing “insulting
words’’ at an assistant referee during last Thursday’s 1-0 win over Chile.
Uruguay are in third position after suffering a 2-1 loss to
Peru in Lima on Tuesday.
The team that finishes fifth will face the winners of the
Oceania group in a two-legged play-off.
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