- By Himanshu Badola
- Wed, 22 Nov 2023 09:17 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
Brazil vs Argentina FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier: Nicolas Otamendi scored with a towering header to give Argentina a 1-0 away win over Brazil in a bad-tempered World Cup qualifier that was delayed by half an hour on Tuesday after police clashed with fans at Maracana Stadium.
Defender Otamendi scored from a Giovani Lo Celso corner in the 63rd minute with Argentina's only shot on target and Brazil's misery was compounded when midfielder Joelinton was sent off for hitting Rodrigo de Paul in the face in the 82nd minute.
"This group continues to achieve historic things," said skipper Lionel Messi who was substituted due to a discomfort in the 78th minute and was replaced by Angel di Maria.
ALSO READ: Legends League Cricket 2023 Updated Points Table After Match 3
The world champions handed their fiercest rivals a third consecutive loss as Brazil came into the match having conceded back-to-back defeats in World Cup qualifiers for the first time in their history.
"We are the best national team in the world. We speak on the field, we have the courage". "I showed today once again that I’m leaving everything for this shirt. We made history," said Argentina mid-fielder De Paul after the historic win.
It was also Brazil's first-ever home loss in a World Cup qualifier. Argentina top the standings with 15 points with Brazil eight points behind in sixth place, the last spot that guarantees a berth at the 2026 finals.
Brazil have now three defeats and a draw against the arch-rivals Argentina in the previous four meetings.
The World Champions headed to the high-voltage clash being at the top spot with 12 points (four wins, one loss), two points ahead of second-placed Uruguay.
On the other hand, Brazil has their struggles as they were placed fifth with seven points (two wins, two losses, one draw) in as many matches.
ALSO READ: Argentina vs Brazil Match Controversy
In the all-important match, they also had injury concerns and missed the services of key players like Neymar, Casemiro, and Vinicius Junior.
(With Agency Inputs)