Argentina’s Fearsome Four Seize Major Superclasico Victory Against Brazil

Argentina marked their qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in remarkable fashion, trouncing their arch-rivals Brazil 4-1 at the Estadio Monumental. This victory marked their eighth win in nine World Cup Qualifiers (WCQ) held on home turf.

The opening half was a thrilling affair, producing four goals from just five attempts.

With the celebratory news of their World Cup berth already in their pocket, Argentina surged ahead within the first five minutes.

Thiago Almada set up Julian Alvarez expertly in the box, allowing him to nudge the ball past goalkeeper Bento. Shortly after, Nahuel Molina delivered a pinpoint cross into the area, where Enzo Fernandez was positioned to tap in a quick second for the home side at the back post.

However, Brazil managed to pull one back following a lapse in concentration from Cristian Romero. When his pass was cut out by Matheus Cunha, the Brazilian striker seized the opportunity, firing into the bottom corner, marking the first time in nine encounters that both teams scored.

This was Brazil’s sole attempt during the half as Argentina continued to dominate the play. Almada nearly added a third for the hosts when his left-footed effort was expertly tipped over by Bento.

Yet, Argentina would find the net again before the interval, as Fernandez turned provider once more, locating Premier League teammate Alexis Mac Allister, who converted by slotting the ball past the advancing Bento.

Alvarez almost struck again for Argentina just four minutes into the second half, with a delightful chip that required Bento’s intervention to deflect over the bar.

Shortly after the hour mark, Fernandez delivered a threatening cross into the box, though Nicolas Tagliafico’s header from the back post sailed over.

Still, the left-back played a crucial role in Argentina’s fourth goal, delivering a precise pass across the goal that found Giuliano Simeone, who smashed in his first international goal off the crossbar from a tight angle.

With Brazil effectively beaten, Raphinha nearly brought some respectability to the score when his free-kick clipped the top of the crossbar.

Late in the match, Argentina could have added a fifth goal when Leandro Paredes unleashed a shot from distance, only for Bento to parry it away.

This result solidified Argentina’s position at the top of the CONMEBOL WCQ standings, while Brazil’s concerning performance sees them tumble to fourth after their unbeaten streak in qualifiers comes to an end.

Other South American qualifying results:

Colombia 2-2 Paraguay

Venezuela 1-0 Peru

Chile 0-0 Ecuador

Bolivia 0-0 Uruguay (finished)