2023-11-23 19:00:31
On the 22nd (Korean time), Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro, known as the mecca of Brazilian soccer. The 6th round of the 2026 North and Central America World Cup South American qualifiers between Brazil and Argentina, the two major soccer teams in South America, was ahead. However, a fight broke out between fans from both countries during the national anthem. When the unrest did not subside, Brazilian police entered and wielded batons to suppress the crowd. The away team’s Argentine players, including Lionel Messi (36, Inter Miami), refused to play and went to the players’ dressing room, citing harsh treatment of their own fans.
The stands at the Maracanã in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, became chaotic on the 22nd as Brazilian and Argentinian spectators fought. / EPA Yonhap News
When the situation calmed down, the game barely ended 30 minutes late, but the players also showed signs of overheating. Argentine midfielder Rodrigo DePaul (29, Atletico Madrid) suffered a nosebleed following being hit in the face by the arm of Brazilian striker Gabriel Jesus (26, Arsenal). Brazil, missing key strikers such as Neymar (31, Al Hilal) and Vinicius (23, Real Madrid) due to injuries, had several chances in the first half, but was unable to score due to lack of decisiveness.
Lionel Messi rejoices following winning once morest Brazil. / AFP Yonhap News
Argentina scored the first goal in the 28th minute of the second half when defender Nicolas Otamendi (25, Benfica) headed a corner kick. Brazilian fans, who expressed disappointment with the home team’s performance, left the stadium in large numbers when their country’s striker Joelin Tong (27, Newcastle) was sent off for a rough foul in the 36th minute of the second half. Brazil even brought in rookie forward Andrek (Palumeiras), born in 2006, but ended up losing 0-1. Brazil lost on this day, following last month’s game once morest Uruguay (0-2) and Colombia on the 17th (1-2), and suffered its first three-game losing streak in the World Cup South American qualifiers. According to ESPN, this is the first time Brazil has lost a World Cup South American qualifying match held at home. Brazil had recorded 51 wins and 13 draws in its home games in the South American qualifiers.
Otamendi’s header shot. This shot became Argentina’s winning goal. / Archyde.com Yonhap News
In the World Cup South American qualifiers, 10 countries play 18 games home and away per team, and the top 6th place advances directly to the finals, but Brazil is currently in 6th place with 2 wins, 1 draw, and 3 losses (7 points). Argentina, which defeated its rival Brazil, rose to the lead with 5 wins and 1 loss, overtaking Uruguay (4 wins, 1 draw and 1 loss).
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