Argentina and record champions Brazil achieved their second victory in the second game of the World Cup qualification.
The Albiceleste won 3-0 (2-0) in Bolivia even without Lionel Messi, while the Selecao won 1-0 (0-0) in Peru thanks to a last-minute goal from PSG defender Marquinhos. This means that the arch-rivals are the only two teams in the South American qualifying without losing a point.
In the absence of the ailing world footballer Messi, Enzo Fernandez (31st) from Chelsea FC, Lyon’s Nicolas Tagliafico (42nd) and Nicolas Gonzalez from AC Florence (83rd) ensured the victory. Bolivia’s Roberto Fernandez was shown a red card for serious foul play near La Paz (39′).
Messi had scored Argentina’s opening win against Ecuador with a direct free kick, after which the 36-year-old “felt something in his thigh”. Scaloni then took Messi out of the squad for the game: “Leo was tired recently and asked me to replace him.”
Brazil’s late winning goal came from a corner from record goalscorer Neymar, whose cross was headed in by Marquinhos (90th). Thanks to the better goal difference, the five-time world champions defended their lead in the table ahead of Argentina. In the first half, Brazil had two goals disallowed for offside.
2023-09-13 05:56:46
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