Brazil Holds Argentina In World Cup Qualifier
Argentina and Brazil played out a goalless 0-0 draw during their Qatar 2020 World Cup qualifier at the Estadio Monumental Antonio Vespucio Liberti in Buenos Aires.
Brazil, who were already assured of a spot at next year’s tournament, saw Argentina join them after Chile lost 2-0 to Ecuador. The two South American football giants met for the first time since September’s fixture was abandoned in Sao Paulo after Argentina left the field as Brazilian health officials tried to detain visiting players.
However, despite Lionel Messi’s return to the starting XI, Argentina were unable to breach the defence of CONMEBOL leaders Brazil.
Chances were few and far between after a slow start between Argentina and Brazil, where neither goalkeeper was really tested in the opening half.
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However, there was a big moment involving Argentina defender Nicolas Otamendi and Brazil’s Raphinha as the game came to life approaching half-time.
Raphinha went down in a heap and was left bleeding after a blow from Otamendi, but the former Manchester City centre-back escaped punishment.
Alisson almost gifted Argentina a chance to break the deadlock after failing to catch a cross but Brazil managed to clear their lines, while the Liverpool keeper took a boot to the face minutes before the interval.
Brazil went close to opening the scoring in the 60th minute when the ball fell to Fred on the edge of the box. However, his volley hit the crossbar.
There was another opening for Brazil with 19 minutes remaining, but Vinicius Junior’s effort was straight at Emiliano Martinez. However, the match finished 0-0 as both sides booked their tickets to next year’s FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
CONMEBOL World Cup qualifier results
Colombia 0-0 Paraguay
Argentina 0-0 Brazil
Chile 0-2 Ecuador
Chidi Nwoke/CONMEBOL.
