Argentina marked their qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in spectacular fashion, securing a 4-1 victory over their fierce rivals Brazil at Estadio Monumental. This win represents their eighth triumph in nine World Cup Qualifiers (WCQ) played on home turf.
The opening half was thrilling, featuring four goals from only five attempts on goal.
With the jubilant news of their World Cup qualification reaching them before kickoff, Argentina swiftly took control, finding the net within the first five minutes.
Thiago Almada set up Julian Alvarez in the penalty area, who calmly slotted the ball past goalkeeper Bento. Shortly after, Nahuel Molina delivered a cross into the box, allowing Enzo Fernandez to tap in a quick second for the home side at the back post.
Brazil, however, found a glimmer of hope when Cristian Romero, taking too long on the ball, had his pass intercepted by Matheus Cunha, who made no mistake in firing the ball into the bottom corner. This marked the first time in nine head-to-head encounters that both teams were on the scoresheet.
That was Brazil’s only opportunity of the half, as Argentina continued to assert their dominance. Almada came close to adding a third goal, but Bento was alert enough to tip his left-footed shot over the crossbar.
Argentina soon capitalised yet again before half-time; Fernandez turned into a playmaker, finding fellow Premier League star Alexis Mac Allister, who deftly slotted home past the advancing Bento.
Alvarez nearly netted another for Argentina just four minutes into the second half, but Bento once again intervened with a crucial save from his delicate chip.
A hazardous cross from Fernandez shortly after the hour mark threatened further damage, but Nicolas Tagliafico’s header sailed over the bar.
On a positive note, the left-back played a role in Argentina’s fourth goal, as his ball across the face of goal found Giuliano Simeone, who thundered in his first international goal off the crossbar from a tight angle.
Although Brazil was left deflated, Raphinha almost improved the scoreline with a free-kick that grazed the top of the crossbar.
Argentina nearly secured a fifth goal in the closing stages, but Leandro Paredes’ long-range effort was parried away by Bento.
With this decisive win, Argentina solidifies their position at the top of the CONMEBOL WCQ table, while Brazil falls to fourth place, seeing their unbeaten streak of five WCQ matches come 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)
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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