Football

MONTEVIDEO — Brazil thrashed arch-rivals Argentina to tighten their grip on South America’s 2018 World Cup qualification campaign on Thursday as Uruguay maintained their push towards the finals with a hard-fought defeat of Ecuador.

Barcelona superstar Neymar outshone club-mate Lionel Messi with his 50th international goal for Brazil in Belo Horizonte as the five-time World Cup winners romped to a 3-0 win in the Estadio Mineirao.

It was a sweet return to the venue for Brazil, who were humiliated 7-1 at the same ground by Germany in the semi-finals of the 2014 World Cup.

Neymar’s landmark strike was sandwiched by a spectacular effort from Liverpool’s Philippe Coutinho and a second-half finish from China-based midfielder Paulinho.

The win was a remarkable fifth consecutive qualifying victory under the reign of new coach Tite, who took over following the sacking of Dunga in June following Brazil’s Copa America Centenario debacle, when they failed to advance from the group stage.

Brazil now have 24 points from 11 games, one clear of second-placed Uruguay who have 23 points.

The Brazilians are six points clear of third-placed Colombia and seven points clear of Ecuador and Chile, who are level on 17 points after 11 games.

Argentina meanwhile are languishing outside the qualifying places in sixth with 16 points.

The two-time world champions – who have taken just two points from their past four qualifiers – now face a crucial game at home to Colombia next Tuesday which they must win to avoid falling further off the pace.

Uruguay meanwhile stayed firmly on Brazil’s shoulder with a 2-1 defeat of Ecuador at Montevideo’s Estadio Centenario.

The Uruguayans took the lead on 12 minutes when former Liverpool defender Sebastian Coates bundled in a corner from close range for his first international goal.

Espanyol striker Felipe Caicedo then rounded off a sweeping Ecuador counter-attack to equalise just before half-time.

But Uruguay responded immediately, Diego Rolan stabbing home a low finish on the stroke of half-time to restore the home side’s lead.

Injury scare for Bravo

Elsewhere Thursday, Copa America Centenario champions Chile had captain  and goalkeeper Claudio Bravo to thank for a hard-earned point in a 0-0 draw against Colombia in Barranquilla.

The Chileans, missing injured Arsenal star Alexis Sanchez, needed two superb saves from Bravo to keep Colombia at bay in a gritty game played in sweltering conditions.

But Bravo’s display was tempered by an injury which forced the Manchester City goalkeeper off the field midway through the second half.

Bravo had earlier produced two fine blocks to deny Oscar Murillo and Miguel Borja as Colombia were struggled to break the deadlock.

Colombia’s Argentinian coach Jose Pekerman bemoaned a lack of precision in front of goal but was buoyed by the return of talismanic striker Radamel

Falcao, who was introduced as a half-time substitute.

"We tried everything and we had chances but we lacked precision," Pekerman said.

"But the most important fact of the game was the return of Falcao."

In other games, Paraguay suffered a 4-1 mauling against Peru in Asuncion to derail their qualification campaign.

Paraguay took an early lead through Cristian Riveros after nine minutes but Peru hit back with second-half goals from Christian Ramos, Edison Flores, Christian Cueva and an Edgar Benitez own goal to run out convincing winners.

Paraguay coach Francisco Arce attempted to put a positive spin on his team’s loss.

"We’re still in the race to qualify," Arce said. "We don’t think we’re dead, we just need to pick ourselves up and get on with it," he added.

Paraguay, who are two points outside the qualifying positions, face Bolivia away in their next game.

Venezuela meanwhile scored their first win of the qualifiers with a 5-0 thrashing at home to Bolivia, with Josef Martinez scoring a hat-trick. AFP