Brazil captain Marquinhos apologises humiliating defeat to Argentina

Khaleej Times

26-03-2025

Brazil captain Marquinhos apologised to the fans on Tuesday after they suffered their heaviest defeat in a World Cup qualifier with a 4-1 thrashing by bitter rivals Argentina in Buenos Aires.
Five-times World Cup winners Brazil have won just once in their last four games and Marquinhos urged his team mates to turn things around as quickly as possible.
"What we did here today can't happen again," he told Brazilian TV Globo.
"It's hard to talk about it in the heat of the moment... It's embarrassing.
"We started the game very badly, far below what we could do and they're on a great run of confidence. They knew how to play smart ... I'm sorry for our fans."
Manager Dorival Jr has failed to earn the trust of Brazil's demanding fans after winning just seven of his 16 games in charge since taking over in early 2024.
"It's not just the coach's fault... It's the players' fault too," Marquinhos said.
"There's no secret formula in football where you make a choice and it works out. We can all do better. We have to share the blame.
"It's about understanding the moment and being humble."
While Argentina have already secured their place at the 2026 World Cup, Brazil still have work to do to claim an automatic berth in North America.
They are fourth in the South American standings on 21 points, just six points ahead of Venezuela in seventh place, which carries a spot in the inter-confederation playoffs.
On Tuesday, Brazil could not cope with Argentina's brilliance as Julian Alvarez, Enzo Fernandez, Alexis Mac Allister and Giuliano Simeone sealed an emphatic win for the world champions, who had been assured of their World Cup berth after Bolivia's 0-0 draw with Uruguay earlier Tuesday.
That goalless stalemate ensured a festive atmosphere at the Estadio Monumental before a ball had been kicked and Argentina kept the party going with a blistering performance.
Atletico Madrid forward Alvarez opened the scoring after just six minutes, latching onto Thiago Almada's through ball and dinking a close-range finish past Brazil goalkeeper Bento.
It got better for Argentina six minutes later when Chelsea's Fernandez tucked away the hosts' second goal of the night after Brazil's back four failed to deal with a low cross.
With Brazil being run ragged by a rampant Argentina, they were thrown a lifeline on 26 minutes after a blunder by Cristian Romero gifted a goal to Mattheus Cunha.
Tottenham defender Romero was caught in possession 25 yards from goal, allowing Cunha to steal in and drive a low shot past Emiliano Martinez to make it 2-1.
But any hopes of a Brazilian fightback were snuffed out in the 37th minute with a superb goal from Mac Allister.
Almada was once again the creator, lofting a pass into the area which Mac Allister met with a first-time volley to make it 3-1.
With Argentina in complete control, Simeone then brought the house down with a 71st minute strike to make it 4-1 -- his first international goal.
Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni was thrilled by his side's performance.
"We played as a team and that's why we minimized Brazil. We played at the highest level," he told reporters.
"We have to keep proving ourselves, but knowing that it won't always be like this."