BELO HORIZONTE, Brazil (Reuters) – Brazil scored twice in the final 4 minutes, the second a primary worldwide aim from Real Madrid striker Rodrygo, to cap a comfortable 4-0 win over Paraguay in Tuesday’s World Cup qualifier in Belo Horizonte.
The defeat ended Paraguay’s hopes of qualifying for Qatar and additional cemented Brazil’s place as one of many favourites to elevate the trophy in December.
Brazil prime the South American qualifying group with no defeats in 15 video games and the win prolonged to 61 matches their unbeaten house file in World Cup qualifiers.
Paraguay, who’ve but to win any of their first 5 video games underneath coach Guillermo Barros Schelotto, are second backside of the 10-team group with 13 factors from 16 video games.
It was a profitable however irritating evening for Raphinha, who scored one, had one other chalked off, and in addition hit the put up.
The Leeds United winger thought he had put Brazil 1-0 up after simply 93 seconds solely to see the aim dominated out after a prolonged session with the Video Assistant Referee (VAR).
However, with 28 minutes gone he fantastically managed an extended ball from Marquinhos and wriggled between two defenders to place Brazil 1-0 forward.
He was unfortunate to not get one other early in the second half however noticed his volley come again off the put up.
Philippe Coutinho acquired a deserved second for the house aspect simply after the hour when he positioned a luxurious shot into the highest nook of the web from 30 meters out.
Antony made the scoreline extra reflective of the play with 4 minutes left when he curled a left-foot shot past a helpless keeper.
And Rodrygo tapped house a minute later to spherical off a commanding efficiency from the five-times world champions.
Vinicius Jnr, Matheus Cunha, and Lucas Paqueta additionally got here shut for Brazil, who, with qualification already assured, fielded a much-changed aspect.
Talismanic striker Neymar was out injured and there have been uncommon begins for goalkeeper Ederson, midfielder Fabinho, left again Alex Telles and captain on the evening Dani Alves.
New Newcastle signing Bruno Guimaraes made a substitute look in the second half.
(Reporting by Andrew Downie; Editing by Stephen Coates)