FIFA World Cup Qualifiers: Argentina hand Brazil third straight loss after crowd trouble | Football News – Times of India

Argentina handed Brazil their third straight loss in FIFA World Cup qualifiers on Tuesday by securing a 1-0 victory over their rivals in a contentious match at the Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro. The game was marred by pre-match crowd trouble, causing a delayed kick-off.
The winning goal came in the 63rd minute when Nicolas Otamendi, the veteran defender, scored a header for Argentina.This triumph allowed the world champions to recover from their previous week’s loss to Uruguay, defeating their South American rivals.Following the win, Argentina now lead the South American qualifying standings with 15 points from six games. On the other hand, Brazil’s third defeat in qualifying places them in sixth position with seven points from six games.
The atmosphere turned tense before kick-off, with Brazilian police using batons to disperse Argentine fans. Argentina’s players, including goalkeeper Emi Martinez, attempted to calm the situation, with Martinez even trying to confront a baton-wielding Brazilian police officer.

Amid the clashes, Argentina’s players, led by Lionel Messi, briefly left the field, expressing their reluctance to play. However, the match eventually kicked off about 30 minutes later than scheduled.
The heated atmosphere continued into the game, with early clashes resulting in a yellow card for Brazil’s Gabriel Jesus.
The first half saw a few goal-scoring opportunities, with both teams engaging in niggly fouls. Brazil’s Raphinha received a booking for an arm to the face of Rodrigo De Paul.

The second half started more positively for Brazil, but Argentina took the lead in the 63rd minute with Otamendi’s header from a corner delivered by Giovani Lo Celso.
Brazil’s night worsened in the 82nd minute when substitute Joelinton was sent off for an off-the-ball clash with De Paul, sealing a miserable evening for the five-time world champions.
(With AFP inputs)