Neymar scored one purpose and created the opposite as Brazil maintained their excellent begin to World Cup qualifying with a 2-0 win over Paraguay on Tuesday.
Substitute Lucas Paqueta sealed the win deep into harm time in Asuncion as Brazil opened up a six level lead on the high of South America’s single qualifying group after a sixth win out of six.
Paraguay’s first defeat noticed them drop out of the automated qualification locations.
Brazil bought off to a fast begin with lower than 4 minutes on the clock.
Gabriel Jesus, recalled to the beginning line-up, crossed from the proper and though Richarlison missed his tried volley, Neymar was unmarked on the again submit to bobble the ball previous goalkeeper Antony Silva.
Paraguay didn’t crumble, although, and center-back Omar Alderete compelled an unbelievable save out of goalkeeper Ederson with a blockbuster drive from 30 yards.
Miguel Almiron additionally discovered area in the field however his shot was deflected behind by Eder Militao.
In between, Silva was out shortly to smother an opportunity for Richarlison.
The Everton ahead thought he’d prolonged the lead simply earlier than halftime with a superb dipping volley, however he was denied by an offside flag.
Paraguay had a powerful begin to the second half as Ederson saved a Gustavo Gomez header however Marquinhos ought to have doubled the guests’ benefit when he someway headed Neymar’s cross extensive from 4 yards out.
Brazil had probabilities to kill the sport off on the counter however Neymar screwed an effort extensive and Gomez did brilliantly to block Richarlison’s shot.
But in harm time, Neymar performed in Paqueta on the proper to ship a exact left-foot end simply contained in the far submit.
Argentina blow two-goal lead
Miguel Borja scored 4 minutes into stoppage time to rescue a 2-2 draw for Colombia in a World Cup qualifier towards Argentina in Barranquilla.
Argentina had been off to a flying begin, helped by woeful residence defending, to transfer 2-0 up inside eight minutes via objectives by Cristian Romero and Leandro Paredes.
But Colombia’s substitutes turned the sport round in the second half as Luis Nuriel netted from the spot after which Borja snatched some extent on the loss of life.
“We went out to press, we scored two objectives however sadly we couldn’t maintain on, I feel we had been drained,” said Argentina forward Lautaro Martinez.
Argentina remain unbeaten in second place while Colombia are just outside the automatic qualification spots in fifth.
The visitors will be kicking themselves, though, after a fast start and having the better chances throughout.
Three minutes in, Romero rose highest to head home a Rodrigo De Paul free-kick from wide on the right that made it all the way to the edge of the six yard box.
A few minutes later, Lionel Messi picked out Marcos Acuna and his rasping left-footed drive was deflected inches past the corner of post and crossbar.
Colombia failed to fully clear the resulting corner and following some pinball in the box, Paredes was able to run past four players, find space and shoot low into the corner across goalkeeper David Ospina.
Argentina were well on top and Ospina had to save a fierce drive from Martinez on 27 minutes, with Nicolas Gonzalez putting the rebound a whisker past the post.
Colombia finally came alive in first half stoppage time but Muriel’s shot was blocked by Nicolas Otamendi, while Duvan Zapata blazed over.
They were back in it six minutes into the second period, though, after Otamendi brought down Mateus Uribe in the box and Muriel slotted in from the spot.
Argentina remained well on top, though, and Ospina tipped a shot from Messi onto the bar before denying Martinez.
Muriel shot over before the inspired Ospina kept Colombia in the tie with great saves from Martinez and Messi again.
Borja had the last word, though, rising at the back post to head home Juan Cuadrado’s cross.
Peru claim first win
Peru earned their first win of the qualification campaign but remained bottom of the group despite a surprise 2-1 success at Ecuador.
Christian Cueva converted a rapier counter attack on 62 minutes and Luis Advincula all but secured victory eight minutes from time, shooting through goalkeeper Alexander Dominguez’s legs.
Gonzalo Plata’s injury time strike was but a consolation for Ecuador, who nonetheless remain third.
In Caracas, Venezuela held Uruguay to a 0-0 draw to remain above Peru on goal difference, while the visitors clung on to a top four automatic qualification spot.
Marcelo Moreno’s penalty eight minutes from time earned Bolivia a 1-1 draw in Santiago with dominant Chile, who took the lead through Erick Pulgar on 69 minutes.
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