The build-up to the World Cup qualifier between Uruguay and Brazil on October 17, 2023, was filled with high tension. Brazil entered the match suffering a rough patch in their qualifying campaign, having struggled in recent fixtures. And Uruguay wanted their first win over Brazil in World Cup qualifiers in 22 years.
Brazil"s performance had seen a dip, with a draw against Venezuela and losses to Colombia and Argentina in the preceding games. Interim coach Fernando Diniz was under pressure to turn the tide and secure a win to stabilize Brazil"s position in the qualifiers.
Squad Lineups
Brazil Starting XI:
- Goalkeeper: Ederson
- Defenders: Yan Couto, Marquinhos, Gabriel Magalhães, Carlos Augusto
- Midfielders: Casemiro, Bruno Guimarães, Neymar
- Forwards: Rodrygo, Vinícius Júnior, Gabriel Jesus
Uruguay Starting XI :
- Goalkeeper: Sergio Rochet
- Defenders: Ronald Araújo, Diego Godín, José María Giménez, Matías Viña
- Midfielders: Rodrigo Bentancur, Matías Vecino, Nicolás De La Cruz
- Forwards: Darwin Núñez, Luis Suárez, Edinson Cavani
Uruguay 🇺🇾 XI: Rochet; Nández, R. Araújo, Cáceres, Olivera; Ugarte, Valverde, De la Cruz; Pellistri, M. Araújo, Núñez
Brazil 🇧🇷 XI: Ederson, Yan Couto, Marquinhos, Gabriel, Carlos Augusto; Bruno Guimarães, Casemiro, Rodrygo, Vinícius Júnior, Neymar, Gabriel Jesus #URUBRA pic.twitter.com/ERgMCPUx73
— Football24/7 (@foet247america) October 18, 2023
Match highlights
The match commenced with both teams refusing to concede the first goal. It was a cautious play, resulting in a tightly contested first half with minimal goal-scoring opportunities.
Brazil"s attempts to advance were often disrupted by Uruguay"s robust defensive strategies. Early in the game, Darwin Núñez was shown a yellow card for a foul on Rodrygo during a counter-attack, setting the tone for a physical battle.
Despite Brazil"s efforts to break through, it was Uruguay who found the back of the net first. Darwin Núñez scored the opening goal, expertly assisted by Nicolás De La Cruz. The goal came from a swift counter-attack, which caught the Brazilian defense off guard.
🚨🚨| GOAL: Darwin Nunez breaks the deadlock!
Uruguay 1-0 Brazil. pic.twitter.com/Io81NjtTJ6
— Transfer Sector (@TransferSector) October 18, 2023
As the match progressed, Brazil faced another setback when Neymar was forced to leave the pitch due to an ACL injury. His departure was a significant blow to Brazil"s attacking options and morale.
New injury for Neymar Jr as he was strechered off in the game between Brazil and Uruguay and was in tears. 🤕
Speedy recovery @neymarjr ❤️🩹 pic.twitter.com/cNBEHMeGiO
— CentreGoals. (@centregoals) October 18, 2023
The second goal was scored by Nicolás de la Cruz, assisted by Darwin Núñez. This goal occurred in the 77th minute of the match, which sealed a 2-0 victory for Uruguay.
🚨🚨| GOAL: Darwin Nunez gets a pass out and De La Cruz finished it off!
Uruguay 2-0 Brazil. pic.twitter.com/HzbMpkdZPr
— Transfer Sector (@TransferSector) October 18, 2023
For Brazil, the absence of Neymar following his injury was felt. While Gabriel Jesus and Vinícius Júnior made notable attempts, they were unable to breach Uruguay"s solid defense.
Brazil"s defeat exposed key issues with squad depth and tactics. Neymar"s injury added to the team"s troubles, leaving coach Fernando Diniz to rethink strategies as Brazil pressed on in the qualifiers.
