Brazil’s national team secured qualification for the 2026 World Cup, which will be held in Mexico, Canada, and the United States. The feat was achieved on the night of this Tuesday (10), when Brazil defeated Paraguay 1-0 in Itaquera, São Paulo. This was the first victory for the canarinho team under the command of Italian coach Carlo Ancelotti.
The home win took the Brazilian national team to 25 points in the South American Qualifiers for the World Cup, assuming third place in the standings. This way, Brazil can no longer miss out on the qualification zone for the next World Cup, with just two rounds left until the end of the competition.
After a frustrating 0-0 draw with Ecuador in the match that marked his debut in charge of the Brazilian national team, Carlo Ancelotti opted for a different playing scheme against the Paraguayans. For a match in which he would count on the support of the crowd, and in which he would face an opponent known for its defensive strength, the coach chose a bold formation, in which Brazil started with only two midfielders by trade and four forwards.
In that attacking quartet, Gabriel Martinelli occupied the left wing, Raphinha stayed open on the right, while Matheus Cunha and Vinicius Júnior were more centralized, but without holding position and dropping back frequently to help in creating attacking plays.
The bet proved correct, and Brazil took control from the first minutes of the first half, cornering the Paraguayan team and creating good scoring opportunities. The first came in the 11th minute, when Matheus Cunha made a low cross, but Vinicius Júnior arrived late and couldn’t finish.
At 34′, the national team came very close to scoring, when Martinelli made a good run on the left and crossed to the far post, where Matheus Cunha, with plenty of space, headed wide.
However, after so many attempts, Brazil got the winning goal before halftime. In the 43rd minute, Raphinha sped down the right, but was dispossessed by the opposing defense. Matheus Cunha then surged forward at speed, stole the ball, reached the byline, and crossed for Vinicius Júnior, who only had to tap it in.
In the second half, the Brazilian national team even started very well, creating chances to extend the lead with Bruno Guimarães, Raphinha, and Gerson. However, Paraguay managed to hold off the pressure and the score until the final whistle.
Source: Agência Brasil