Brazil Secures Victory Against Chile in World Cup Qualifier

In a recent World Cup qualifier held in Rio de Janeiro on Thursday, Brazil triumphed over Chile with a final score of 3-0. Estevao, Lucas Paqueta, and Bruno Guimaraes each contributed a goal to the Brazilian victory.

The match saw an aggressive start from the five-time world champions. An initial header from midfielder Casemiro that found the net was later disallowed due to an offside ruling.

The breakthrough came in the 38th minute when teenager Estevao successfully scored, giving Brazil the lead. The Chelsea winger’s goal marked his first for the national team, scored from close range.

Brazil maintained control throughout the first half, entering the second half with a 1-0 advantage.

Early in the second half, Chile’s defender, Guillermo Maripan, was initially shown a red card. However, following a review by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR), the decision was altered to a yellow card.

Midfielder Paqueta, a substitute in the 71st minute, swiftly made an impact by doubling Brazil’s lead just a minute after entering the game, capitalizing on an opportunity created by Luiz Henrique.

Paqueta’s goal came shortly after the Football Association announced its decision not to appeal his clearance from spot-fixing allegations.

Brazil sealed their win when Guimaraes, the Newcastle midfielder, successfully directed the ball into the net after Henrique’s initial shot rebounded off the bar.

Despite already securing a spot in the upcoming tournament, the victory bolstered Carlo Ancelotti’s team’s standing in the qualifiers, elevating them to second place with one match remaining.

Argentina currently leads the table with 38 points following their 3-0 victory against Venezuela in Buenos Aires. Brazil trails with 10 points behind Lionel Messi’s squad, holding a one-point lead over Uruguay, who also defeated Venezuela 3-0 in Buenos Aires.

Brazil is scheduled to face Bolivia in their final qualifier in El Alto on Tuesday.