During the World Cup 2026 South American qualifying match between Brazil and Argentina, the latter emerged victorious with a 1-0 win over their long-time rivals, despite playing away from home. The winning goal was scored by center-back Nicolas Otamendi in the 63rd minute of the game. Joelinton of Brazil received a red card in the 82nd minute. Check out the video highlights of the match below.
To find the perfect words to describe the Superclasico in South America, “violence” would be the most accurate. Prior to the game, a riot broke out among fans in the stands of Maracana stadium, causing a delay of almost 30 minutes and even raising concerns that the match may have to be cancelled due to escalating tensions.
As the match unfolded, fans of the beautiful game couldn’t help but feel disappointed by the turn of events on the field. Instead of playing football, the Brazilian and Argentine players resorted to a “fighting” tactic. Indeed, in the first 45 minutes, this showdown was interrupted by a series of fouls. Both teams seemed to be only looking to take each other down, forcing the referee to constantly blow his whistle.
In the first half, nothing noteworthy happened except for a crucial save by Argentine defender Cristian Romeo, who successfully blocked a dangerous shot from Gabriel Martinelli. The only other standout moment was a long-range attempt that missed the goal by Alexis Mac Allister.
Otamendi scores with a header
As the second half began, there was a noticeable improvement in the overall quality of the game with more scoring opportunities arising. Within the first 10 minutes, Brazil put pressure on the Argentinean defense with several good attacks, including a shot from Martinelli in the penalty area, but goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez made an excellent save to prevent a goal.
Argentina may not have created many opportunities, but they are experts at making the most of what they have. In the 64th minute, from a corner kick on the left wing taken by midfielder Giovani Lo Celso, defender Otamendi rose higher than two Brazilian players to head the ball into the home team’s net, opening the scoring of the match. This goal demonstrates the world champion’s courage and determination in this important game.
After conceding a goal, Brazil tried their best to bounce back strongly. However, in the 82nd minute, Selecao were reduced to 10 men as substitute player Joelinton received a straight red card for a nasty challenge on Rodrigo De Paul. With the odds against them and a depleted squad, Brazil struggled for the remainder of the game and ultimately had to accept a 0-1 defeat at home to Argentina.
Argentina have claimed an important victory, helping them to secure the top spot in the South American World Cup 2026 qualifying group with 15 points, two points ahead of second-placed Uruguay. However, Brazil have slipped down to sixth place with just 7 points from 6 matches played.
Lineup for the Match
Brazil:
In goal, Alisson; Defense with Emerson, Marquinhos who was substituted by Nino in the 46th minute, and Gabriel who made way for Joelinton in the 72nd minute; Augusto played midfield alongside Andre, Guimaraes who was replaced by Luiz in the 78th minute; Raphinha was substituted by Endrick in the 72nd minute, while Rodrygo and Martinelli played alongside him; Jesus completed the lineup.
Argentina:
Martinez played goalkeeper; Molina, Cuti, Otamendi, and Acuna, who was substituted by Tagliafico in the 66th minute, were part of the defense; De Paul and Mac Allister played in midfield; Enzo, who was replaced by Paredes in the 70th minute, played alongside Lo Celso, who was substituted by Gonzalez in the 70th minute; Messi was replaced by Di Maria in the 78th minute, and Alvarez, who was substituted by Martinez in the same minute, completed the lineup.
