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Argentina National Football Team vs Brazil National Football Team Timeline: Brazil suffered a humiliating 4-1 loss to arch-rivals Argentina in their South American World Cup qualifier on Tuesday, piling pressure on manager Dorival Jr after his side was comprehensively outplayed. The defeat exposed Brazil’s defensive frailties and lack of cohesion, with Argentina dominating throughout and nearly scoring more goals.

Fresh off a 2-1 home win against Colombia, Brazil entered the match with confidence but were shocked early as Julian Alvarez opened the scoring just four minutes in. The Manchester City forward latched onto a through pass from Thiago Almada, maneuvered past two defenders, and calmly slotted the ball past goalkeeper Bento to give Argentina an early lead.

"We humbly did our job and played a great game. We gave them a show," Alvarez told reporters.

"It was a historic result, winning by 4-1, and that makes us really proud, I'm so happy for the fans, for helping the team and to see how we played an impressive game at home. It's great to know that we are qualified for the World Cup."

A 0-0 draw between Uruguay and Bolivia earlier on Tuesday had sealed Argentina's spot at the 2026 World Cup as they became the first South American team to qualify for the tournament in North America.

Even without the injured Lionel Messi and Lautaro Martinez, Argentina were streets ahead of their rivals and they did not have to wait long to extend their lead with Enzo Fernandez making it 2-0 in the 12th minute.

A terrific team goal saw Rodrigo de Paul, Almada and Alvarez combine before Fernandez finished off Nahuel Molina's low cross at the far post.

Argentina were in full control and passing the ball around to chants of "Ole" from a sold-out crowd at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires when Brazil pulled one back, a mistake from defender Cristian Romero gifting Matheus Cunha a goal in the 26th minute.

But Argentina restored their two-goal lead in the 37th minute through Alexis Mac Allister, who fired home from a Fernandez cross following another superb team move.

Argentina, who have not lost to Brazil in six years, wasted several chances to extend their lead before substitute Giuliano Simeone wrapped up the scoring in the 71st minute, handing Brazil their heaviest defeat in a World Cup qualifier.

Argentina top the South American standings with 31 points from 14 matches, 17 points clear of seventh-placed Bolivia, who currently hold the spot for the international playoffs.

Inputs from Reuters