Venezuela vs. Brazil – Football Match Report – October 7, 2021

Brazil fired back after a goal short to score three times in the second half for a 3-1 victory over Venezuela who maintained their 100% record in the 2022 World Cup qualifiers.

– 2022 World Cup qualifiers: how it works in the world

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

However, Brazil came back to the same level when Marquinhos scored a corner corner in the 71st minute before Gabriel Barbosa scored a penalty six minutes to go and Anthony made it 3-1 in stoppage time.

With Argentina’s 0-0 draw in Paraguay, Brazil extended their lead in the South American qualifying group to eight points. The top four teams automatically qualify for Qatar and the fifth placed team advance to the interregional qualifiers.

Brazil missed the suspended Neymar while Gabriel Jesus started for the first time since being sent off in the Copa America quarter-final against Chile in July.

However, it was the introduction of second-half substitutes that changed the game for the five-time world champions.

Leeds United debutant Raphinha opened up the gap and hit the corner that led to Marquinhos’ goal, while Vinicius Jr. was instrumental in the build-up that led to Barbosa’s penalty.

Raphinha also set up another replacement Anthony to slap home just before the final whistle.