Five-time
champions Brazil surged
to the top of the South America 2018 World Cup qualifying Table with a 2-0
victory over Venezuela as their revival under new manager, Tite, continues.
Goals from
Manchester City teenage sensation Gabriel Jesus and Chelsea’s Willian secured
the vital win, their fourth on the trot, to leave them top of the log on 21
points after 10 games.
It is the
first time since the qualifiers began that the Selecao have led the standings
and it now looks almost certain that they’ll maintain their incredible record
of never having failed to qualify for a World Cup.
However,
the acid test of Brazil’s renaissance will come in next month’s Classico against
eternal rivals Argentina, who were humbled 1-0 at home by Paraguay.
A whiz-bang
counter-attacking goal from Derlis Gonzalez on 18 minutes was enough to secure
the priceless win for Paraguay as the Albiceleste once again struggled to cope
with the absence of injured talisman, Lionel Messi.
Since Messi’s
injury three weeks ago, Argentina have taken just two points from a possible
nine in their past three matches.
The defeat
leaves Argentina stuck on fifth after 10 games, while Paraguay are now one
place behind on 15 points.
Meanwhile,
Chile got their qualification campaign back on track with a 2-1 victory over
Peru in Santiago.
Chile,
back-to-back Copa America champions, desperately needed three points to get
back on track after a dismal start to the qualification campaign.
A double from
Bayern Munich midfielder Atrudo Vidal secured the crucial win for La Roja who
now move within two points of the qualifying places.
Uruguay were held to a 2-2 draw by fourth placed Colombia in an
entertaining duel in rain-swept Barranquilla, while Everton striker Enner
Valencia netted a brace as Ecuador came from 2-0 down to grab a 2-2 draw with
Bolivia.
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