Argentina thrash Brazil to seal World Cup qualification

Argentina produced a stunning performance to hammer arch-rivals Brazil 4-1 in the World Cup qualifiers last night.

The home side drew first blood four minutes into the game after Julian Alvarez nodded home past a sloppy Brazilian defence.

Enzo Fernandez blasted home inside the six-yard box to double the lead after Nahuel Molina’s pass took a deflection off Brazilian defender Murilo.

La Selecao cut the deficit just before the half-hour mark, with Matheus Cunha capitalising on Cristian Romero’s defensive error.

Argentina piled further misery on the visitors as Alexis Mac Allister restored the two-goal cushion following an impressive volley off Fernandez’s pass.

Giuliano Simeone put the game to bed in the 71st minute after firing home an incredible strike for his first senior international goal.

Eight points clear at the top of the South American qualifying table, Argentina have also booked their place in the World Cup next year.

Brazil produced a disastrous performance, further underlining their inconsistent form.

Despite the presence of Raphinha, Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo, La Selecao had only one shot on target. Joelinton, Marquinhos and Murilo were also underwhelming.

The defeat leaves Brazil fourth in the table with 21 points. The top six teams will qualify for the World Cup.

Head coach Dorival Junior will be under fire after the calamitous result. Since his appointment, he has managed just seven wins in 16 games.

Brazil were knocked out in last year’s Copa America quarter-finals and are a long way short of the quality needed to win the World Cup.