A frustrating result for the fans who went to Arena Cuiabá on Friday night. Equally frustrating for coach Fernando Diniz, who loses his perfect run at the helm of the Brasil national team. Brazil only drew 1-1 with Venezuela in the third round of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.
The result put an end to Brazil’s historic 15-game winning streak on home soil for WC qualifiers. Their last draw was a 2-2 against Uruguay in 2016.
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The goals in this match came from Arsenal’s center-back, Gabriel, at the 50th minute of the second half for Brazil.
On the other hand, the unexpected tie came towards the end, courtesy of Eduard Bello, in the 85th minute of the game.
Thus, Brazil, which had beaten Bolivia and Peru in the initial rounds, has its first adverse result in the qualifying tournament. Now the Fernando Diniz men will continue their WC qualifiers next Tuesday by visiting Uruguay at the Estadio Centenario in Montevideo.
A popcorn incident
At the end of the match, Neymar was involved in an argument with a fan, who threw a bag of popcorn at his head as the player left the field. The Al Hilal star had to be restrained by his teammates.
Neymar being hit with a bag of popcorn after Brazil drew 1-1 vs. Venezuela at home. Brazil host Argentina in November.pic.twitter.com/7uckDCIgih
— Roy Nemer (@RoyNemer) October 13, 2023
Standings
With Brazil’s first draw under Fernando Diniz command, the national team lost first place in the South American qualifiers. Now world champion Argentina is at the top, two points ahead of the Brazilians.
¡La tabla de posiciones de las #EliminatoriasSudamericanas tras la Fecha 3! 📈⚽️
A tabela de posições das #EliminatoriasSulAmericanas após a terceira rodada! 🔝🏆#CreeEnGrande #AcrediteSempre pic.twitter.com/bS4HsjfxQi
— CONMEBOL.com (@CONMEBOL) October 13, 2023
