Argentina Crush Brazil 4-1 in World Cup Qualifier

TDT | Manama

Email : hussianm@newsofbahrain.com

Brazil’s World Cup qualification campaign took a devastating blow on Tuesday night as they suffered a humiliating 4-1 defeat to bitter rivals Argentina at the Estadio Mas Monumental in Buenos Aires. The reigning world champions put on a masterclass, dismantling Brazil with clinical finishing and fluid attacking play, leaving manager Dorival Jr under intense scrutiny.

Alvarez Strikes Early, Argentina in Control

Argentina wasted no time asserting their dominance, striking just four minutes into the match. Julián Álvarez, fresh off his match-winning performance against Colombia, latched onto a precise through ball from Thiago Almada. With composure beyond his years, Álvarez weaved past two Brazilian defenders before slotting the ball past an onrushing Bento, sending the sold-out stadium into euphoria.

"We humbly did our job and played a great game," Álvarez said post-match. "It was a historic result, winning 4-1 against Brazil, and that makes us really proud."

The early setback rattled Brazil, and Argentina capitalized ruthlessly. Just eight minutes later, a brilliant team move saw Rodrigo De Paul, Almada, and Álvarez exchange passes before Nahuel Molina squared the ball to Enzo Fernández, who tapped in Argentina’s second goal to make it 2-0 by the 12th minute.

Brazil’s Brief Hope, Argentina's Ruthless Response

As Argentina toyed with their opponents, the Monumental crowd roared with chants of "Ole," but Brazil briefly found a lifeline in the 26th minute. A rare defensive error from Cristian Romero gifted Matheus Cunha a golden opportunity, which he converted to make it 2-1.

However, any hopes of a comeback were quickly crushed. Ten minutes later, Alexis Mac Allister restored Argentina’s two-goal cushion with a well-placed finish from a Fernández assist, capping off another dazzling sequence of passes.

Simeone Seals a Landmark Win

Argentina remained relentless, dominating possession and carving out chances at will. Even in the absence of Lionel Messi and Lautaro Martínez, Lionel Scaloni’s squad showcased their depth and quality. Substitute Giuliano Simeone added the finishing touch in the 71st minute, firing past Bento to hand Brazil their worst-ever defeat in a World Cup qualifier.

With the victory, Argentina became the first South American nation to book their place at the 2026 World Cup. Sitting atop the CONMEBOL standings with 31 points, they remain untouchable, while Brazil languish in seventh, dangerously close to missing direct qualification.

For Dorival Jr and his squad, the nightmare in Buenos Aires serves as a harsh reality check. With pressure mounting and the road to the World Cup becoming increasingly uncertain, Brazil must regroup quickly—or risk an unthinkable failure.