In the intense FIFA World Cup Qualifying clash between the South American arch-rivals, Nicolas Otamendi emerged as the match-winner in a tightly fought encounter.
In a FIFA World Cup Qualifier held at the iconic Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro, Argentina secured a 1-0 victory over Brazil with a goal from Nicolas Otamendi in the 63rd minute.
At the hour mark, Otamendi showcased his aerial prowess, outleaping the Brazilian defender on a corner to expertly head the ball into the top corner.
With 15 points from six games, Argentina currently leads the South American World Cup qualifying standings. Meanwhile, Brazil finds themselves in the sixth position with seven points. Both teams had suffered defeats in their previous matches in the competitive 10-team round-robin competition.
The match experienced a turbulent start when Lionel Messi, at the helm of the Argentina playing XI, guided his team off the field and into the locker rooms following a clash between rival fans, resulting in a 27-minute delay before the game commenced.
Tensions escalated before the match began, leading to Brazilian police using batons to disperse Argentine fans. In an effort to defuse the situation, Argentina’s players, including goalkeeper Emi Martinez, intervened, with Martinez going so far as to confront a baton-wielding Brazilian police officer.
The intensity of the atmosphere persisted throughout the game, leading to early clashes and a yellow card for Brazil’s Gabriel Jesus.
During the first half, goal-scoring opportunities were scarce, and both teams were involved in contentious fouls. Raphinha of Brazil received a booking for an incident involving 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 assisted by Giovani Lo Celso.
The night went from bad to worse for Brazil in the 82nd minute, as substitute Joelinton received a red card for an off-the-ball altercation with De Paul, capping off a dismal evening for the five-time world champions.
