Brazil, with a Vinicius who missed a penalty, escaped the Venezuelan trap with a tense 1-1 draw that will leave them with a few regrets, in the South American Zone qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup. After a forgettable start to 2024, the Seleçao, who are continuing their convalescence under new coach Dorival Junior appointed in March, nevertheless picked up their 7th point in three games and moved back up to the top of the standings (4th with 17 points, 5 behind Argentina).

However, the Brazilians have yet to reassure us about their level of play and, in particular, their defensive shortcomings. The Brazilians were unable to take advantage of a late numerical superiority after Alexander Gonzalez was sent off for a foul on Gabriel (90th).

Venezuela unstoppable at home

After a 4-0 defeat at altitude in Bolivia, followed by a 2-1 loss in Paraguay, Venezuela have stopped the bleeding and are still in with a chance of qualifying for their first ever World Cup. They may not excel away from home, but at home they’re a force to be reckoned with. Fernando Batista’s men are unbeaten. in front of their home fans since the start of the qualifiers. In particular, they have held Argentina and Uruguay to a draw. Backed by 50,000 spectators regularly chanting “Si! Se puede!” (Yes, it’s possible!), Venezuela, 7th with 13 points, are the only Conmebol country not to have taken part in a World Cup.

The Brazilians took the game to Venezuela, who had put in place an anti-Vinicius plan with Aramburu (Real Sociedad) and a false right-winger Murillo (Atlas -Mexico) to try and muzzle Real’s magician, placed on the left of the Brazilian attack. Vinicius Jr, who promised to do “even more” to convince his detractors that he deserved the Ballon d’Or, shone at times, notably hitting the post with a brilliant pass from Savinho (22nd). But it was above all Raphinha and Savinho, much freer on his right flank, who came into their own. And it was Raphinha who opened the scoring with a masterly free-kick from the left (43rd).

Venezuelan 21-year-old Telasco Segovia, who came on at half-time to give the Caribbean nation some attacking impetus, nailed Brazil one minute later (46th) with a powerful right-foot shot after a fine team move. Brazil then pressed forward in vain. Vinicius was awarded a penalty after being mowed down by Venezuelan goalkeeper Romo on a breakaway down the left flank on the edge of the box, but he was denied by Romo himself, who pulled off a crowd-pleasing save (62nd).

Next up for Brazil: Uruguay.