Leeds' Raphinha inspires Brazil comeback, Lionel Messi-led Argentina draw blank - World Cup qualifiers round-up

Leeds' Raphinha sets up Marquinhos and Antony in Brazil's 3-1 win over Venezuela to keep up their 100 per cent record in World Cup qualifying; Lionel Messi's quiet start to the season continues in Argentina's 0-0 draw with Paraguay, leaving them eight points behind Brazil

By Reuters

Friday 8 October 2021 10:39, UK

Leeds' Raphinha made two of Brazil's comeback goals on his international debut as they recovered to win 3-1 in Venezuela.

Venezuela had never beaten Brazil in a World Cup qualifier in 17 previous attempts but their hopes rose after taking an early lead through Eric Ramirez, who converted Yeferson Soteldo's cross after defenders Fabinho and Marquinhos slipped at the vital moment.

However, Brazil got back on level terms when Marquinhos headed home a corner in the 71st minute before Gabriel Barbosa scored a penalty six minutes from time and debutant Antony made it 3-1 in stoppage time.

Raphinha opened up space and hit the corner that led to Marquinhos' goal, while Vinicius Jnr was instrumental in the build-up that led to Barbosa's penalty.

Raphinha also set up fellow substitute Antony to tap home just before the final whistle and score on his debut.

South American qualifying


Position	Team	Points
1	Brazil	27
2	Argentina	19
3	Ecuador	16
4	Uruguay	16
5	Colombia	14
6	Paraguay	12
7	Peru	11
8	Chile	7
9	Bolivia	6
10	Venezuela	4

Argentina failed to score for the first time since June 2019 but a 0-0 draw at Paraguay maintained their unbeaten record in the 2022 World Cup qualifiers.

Argentina have gone 23 games without defeat under coach Lionel Scaloni and are second in the qualifying group with 19 points.

Match stats

The top four teams qualify automatically for Qatar next year and the fifth-placed side goes into an inter-regional play-off. Argentina were without Lautaro Martinez in attack and with Lionel Messi quieter than usual, the game lacked excitement, especially in the first half.

The visitors had the better of the opening exchanges but Paraguay grew into the game in the second half and tested Emiliano Martinez in the Argentine goal more often.

Substitute Alejandro Gomez brought out a superb save from Paraguayan keeper Antony Silva with 12 minutes remaining and then at the other end Carlos Gonzalez blazed a cutback over the bar three minutes from time.