Brazil 1-0 Paraguay: Vinicius Jr helps safe 2026 World Cup place on Carlo Ancelotti’s dwelling debut as head coach | Soccer Information

A winner from Vinicius Jr helped Brazil to a 1-0 victory over Paraguay, and secured a spot on the 2026 World Cup on a momentous dwelling debut for brand new head coach Carlo Ancelotti.

The previous Actual Madrid boss had acquired some frustration from followers after Thursday’s 0-0 draw with Ecuador, with Brazil rather more defensively-minded than is typical of a aspect so famed for its attacking expertise.

The Italian coach, who turned 66 on Tuesday, promised adjustments to make his crew extra aggressive as they regarded to e book a spot at subsequent summer time’s event in the USA, Mexico and Canada.

He was welcomed by 46,000 followers in Sao Paulo, as Arsenal’s Gabriel Martinelli changed midfielder Gerson so as to add extra creativity, whereas Barcelona ahead Raphinha returned after suspension and created downside after downside, paired with new Manchester United recruit Matheus Cunha up prime.

A low cross from Cunha was completed by Vinicius Jr on the stroke of half-time, and though the Selecao ought to have gained by extra, the efficiency was much more managed and composed than Ancelotti’s first in cost.

“We wanted to win right here for our folks. Now we have now extra time to work, see what we will enhance,” Vinicius Jr mentioned. “We have to have a good time this. After September it’s all in regards to the World Cup.”

After the ultimate whistle, a clip of Ancelotti’s first days on the job had been proven on huge screens across the stadium, prompting extra raucous celebration, as if the Italian coach had already reinvigorated a crew that, solely three months in the past, appeared misplaced and doomed.

Ancelotti insisted his squad was balanced regardless of containing 4 strikers. “It is no downside to play with three or 4 up entrance. We’d like 10 gamers to run, to sacrifice,” he mentioned.

“Rodrygo did this many occasions, I do know him properly. And Neymar can even do it.”

Brazil, who stay the one crew to play in each version of the World Cup, transfer to second spot within the South American qualifying standings with 25 factors, 10 behind Argentina however, crucially, greater than six factors away from the seventh-placed crew with two video games remaining.

Diaz scores stunner as Colombia held by Argentina

Defending champions Argentina, already certified for subsequent yr’s event, rescued a 1-1 draw at dwelling to Colombia on Tuesday evening after Liverpool’s Luis Diaz scored a sensational solo purpose to stun the 80,000 followers on the Monumental de Nunez Stadium.

Diaz weaved previous a number of Argentina gamers earlier than firing previous goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez handy struggling Colombia a shock lead.

Enzo Fernandez was then despatched off within the second interval, which was adopted by Thiago Almada’s equaliser 9 minutes later. The purpose retains Colombia sixth within the hunt to safe an automated qualifying spot – they are going to play for his or her World Cup future later this yr in opposition to Bolivia and Venezuela.