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Irish Examiner
3 days ago
- Sport
- Irish Examiner
Vinicius Júnior goal sends Brazil to 2026 World Cup, delighting fans in Ancelotti's home debut
A goal by Vinicius Júnior secured Brazil a place in the 2026 World Cup, quite a momentous home debut for Carlo Ancelotti as head coach. The once prolific duo at Real Madrid helped Brazil to a 1-0 win over Paraguay at Sao Paulo. Ecuador secured its place at next year's global tournament later on Tuesday with a 0-0 draw at Peru. Defending champions Argentina, held to a 1-1 draw by Colombia, had already qualified and are assured of finishing on top of South American qualifying. Ecuador and Brazil each have 25 points in the standings, but the Ecuadorians are in second spot based on victories. The two nations are 10 points behind Argentina but, crucially, more than six points clear of the seventh-place team with two games remaining in the qualifying campaign. The top six teams in South America earn direct entries to the 48-team World Cup. Chile will miss a third consecutive World Cup after losing 2-0 at Bolivia to remain last in 10-nation round-robin competition, a result that cost head coach Ricardo Gareca his job. Uruguay beat Venezuela at home 2-0, with goals from Rodrigo Aguirre and Giorgian de Arrascaeta, and edged closer to one of the direct spots with 24 points. Venezuela, with 18, are one ahead of Bolivia in the contest for seventh place that grants an intercontinental playoff berth. Lionel Messi had a quiet night in Argentina's draw with Colombia in Buenos Aires. Luis Díaz opened the scoring for the visitors in the 24th minute. Enzo Fernandez was sent off in the 70th minute to the disappointment of more than 80,000 fans at the Monumental de Nunez Stadium. But Julián Alvarez scored the equalizer in the 81st with a low, crossed shot. Madrid-Sao Paulo Ancelotti received some frustration from fans after Thursday's 0-0 draw with Ecuador, as his team focused on defending the entire match. The Italian coach, who turned 66 Tuesday, promised changes to make his team more aggressive at the NeoQuimica Arena. He was welcomed by 46,000 fans, including NBA star Gianni Antetokounmpo, who displayed a tifo in yellow and green that read 'Parabens, Carleto' (Happy birthday, Carleto in Portuguese). Gabriel Martinelli replaced midfielder Gerson and was one of the best players of the encounter. Raphinha returned after suspension and created many problems for Paraguay's defense. And Vinicius Júnior was often seen as a targetman, sharing the duties with Matheus Cunha. A mistake by Paraguay's defense, a low cross by Cunha and a gentle touch by Brazil's new No. 10 produced the only goal of the match. 'It is for you,' the striker told the coach as he celebrated. Despite the low score, the hosts were much more aggressive than in most of its games in this World Cup qualifying campaign. 'We needed to win here for our people. Now we have more time to work, see what we can improve,' Vinicius said after the match. He won't play Brazil's next game in qualifying against Chile due to suspension. 'We need to celebrate this. After September it is all about the World Cup.' After the final whistle, a clip of Ancelotti's first days on the job was shown in big screens around the stadium. A raucous celebration erupted again, as if the Italian coach had brought new life to a team that only three months ago appeared lost and doomed. He said the team was balanced despite having four strikers. He also said that Cunha's role, as a playmaker, is the one he figures will be Neymar's if the veteran fully recovers his fitness. 'It's no problem to play with three or four up front. We need 10 players to run, to sacrifice,' Ancelotti said. 'Rodrygo did this many times, I know him well. And Neymar will also do it.' Golden generation gone Chile's golden generation won two Copa America titles — in 2015 and '16 — but are out of contention for next year's expanded 48-team tournament. 'Sad, I am feeling bad. Never lived something like this. We have to ask people to forgive us,' veteran Chile striker Alexis Sánchez said. 'We have to keep working. There's change already, the golden generation is buried, I am the only one left.' Bolivia scored first via Miguel Terceros in the fifth minute and added a second in the 90th with Enzo Monteiro at the 4,150-meter high El Alto Stadium, outside La Paz. Gareca, the 67-year-old Argentinian coach who took Peru to the 2018 World Cup, told a post-game news conference he was leaving the team after a 17-match stretch that included four wins, four draws and nine losses. Final rounds The South American qualifying tournament will finish in September. Uruguay and Paraguay each need one point to secure their direct spots. The Uruguayans will face Peru and Chile. The Paraguayans will take on Ecuador and Peru. Colombia, in sixth place with 22 points, will play for its World Cup future against Bolivia and Venezuela. Bolivia will seek its first chance to play at the World Cup since 1994 against the Colombians and then Brazil. Venezuela's rivals will be Argentina and Colombia. AP
The Hindu
3 days ago
- Sport
- The Hindu
Vinicius Junior's goal sends Brazil to 2026 World Cup, delighting fans in Ancelotti's home debut
A goal by Vinicius Júnior secured Brazil a place in the 2026 World Cup, quite a momentous home debut for Carlo Ancelotti as head coach. The once prolific duo at Real Madrid helped Brazil to a 1-0 win over Paraguay at Sao Paulo. Ecuador secured its place at next year's global tournament later Tuesday (June 10, 2025) with a 0-0 draw at Peru. Defending champion Argentina, held to a 1-1 draw by Colombia, had already qualified and is assured of finishing atop South American qualifying. Ecuador and Brazil each have 25 points in the standings, but the Ecuadorians are in second spot based on victories. The two nations are 10 points behind Argentina but, crucially, more than six points clear of the seventh-place team with two games remaining in the qualifying campaign. The top six teams in South America earn direct entries to the 48-team World Cup. Chile misses out again Chile will miss a third consecutive World Cup after losing 2-0 at Bolivia to remain last in 10-nation round-robin competition, a result that cost head coach Ricardo Gareca his job. Uruguay beat Venezuela at home 2-0, with goals from Rodrigo Aguirre and Giorgian de Arrascaeta, and edged closer to one of the direct spots with 24 points. Venezuela, with 18, is one ahead of Bolivia in the contest for seventh place that grants an intercontinental playoff berth. Argentina draws with Colombia Lionel Messi had a quiet night in Argentina's draw with Colombia in Buenos Aires. Luis Díaz opened the scoring for the visitors in the 24th minute. Enzo Fernandez was sent off in the 70th minute to the disappointment of more than 80,000 fans at the Monumental de Nunez Stadium. But Julián Alvarez scored the equalizer in the 81st with a low crossed shot. Ancelotti received some frustration from fans after Thursday's 0-0 draw with Ecuador, as his team focused on defending the entire match. The Italian coach, who turned 66 Tuesday, promised changes to make his team more aggressive at the NeoQuimica Arena. He was welcomed by 46,000 fans, including NBA star Gianni Antetokounmpo, who displayed a tifo in yellow and green that read 'Parabens, Carleto' (Happy birthday, Carleto in Portuguese). Gabriel Martinelli replaced midfielder Gerson and was one of the best players of the encounter. Raphinha returned after suspension and created many problems for Paraguay's defense. And Vinicius Júnior was often seen as a targetman, sharing the duties with Matheus Cunha. A mistake by Paraguay's defense, a low cross by Cunha and a gentle touch by Brazil's new No. 10 produced the only goal of the match. 'It is for you,' the striker told the coach as he celebrated. Despite the low score, the hosts were much more aggressive than in most of its games in this World Cup qualifying campaign. 'We needed to win here for our people. Now we have more time to work, see what we can improve,' Vinicius said after the match. He won't play Brazil's next game in qualifying against Chile due to suspension. 'We need to celebrate this. After September, it is all about the World Cup.' Ancelotti gets warm welcome After the final whistle, a clip of Ancelotti's first days on the job was shown in big screens around the stadium. A raucous celebration erupted again, as if the Italian coach had brought new life to a team that only three months ago appeared lost and doomed. He said the team was balanced despite having four strikers. He also said that Cunha's role, as a playmaker, is the one he figures will be Neymar's if the veteran fully recovers his fitness. 'It's no problem to play with three or four up front. We need 10 players to run, to sacrifice,' Ancelotti said. 'Rodrygo did this many times, I know him well. And Neymar will also do it.' Chile's golden generation won two Copa America titles — in 2015 and '16 — but is out of contention for next year's expanded 48-team tournament. 'Sad, I am feeling bad. Never lived something like this. We have to ask people to forgive us,' veteran Chile striker Alexis Sánchez said. 'We have to keep working. There's change already, the golden generation is buried, I am the only one left.' Bolivia scored first via Miguel Terceros in the fifth minute and added a second in the 90th with Enzo Monteiro at the 4,150-meter high El Alto Stadium, outside La Paz. Gareca, the 67-year-old Argentinian coach who took Peru to the 2018 World Cup, told a post-game news conference he was leaving the team after a 17-match stretch that included four wins, four draws and nine losses. The South American qualifying tournament will finish in September. Uruguay and Paraguay each need one point to secure their direct spots. The Uruguayans will face Peru and Chile. The Paraguayans will take on Ecuador and Peru. Colombia, in sixth place with 22 points, will play for its World Cup future against Bolivia and Venezuela. Bolivia will seek its first chance to play at the World Cup since 1994 against the Colombians and then Brazil. Venezuela's rivals will be Argentina and Colombia.
Hindustan Times
4 days ago
- Sport
- Hindustan Times
Vinicius Junior's goal sends Brazil to 2026 World Cup, delighting fans in Ancelotti's home debut
A goal by Vinicius Júnior secured Brazil a place in the 2026 World Cup, quite a celebration for Carlo Ancelotti's home debut as head coach. The once prolific duo at Real Madrid helped Brazil to a 1-0 win over Paraguay at Sao Paulo on Tuesday, a result that could also get Ecuador through the finishing line. Defending champion Argentina, held to a 1-1 draw by Colombia, had already qualified for next year's global tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Brazil moved to second spot in the standings with 25 points, 10 behind Argentina but, crucially, more than six points clear of the seventh-place team with two games remaining in South American qualifying. The top six teams in South America earn direct entries to the 48-team World Cup. Chile will miss a third consecutive World Cup after losing 2-0 at Bolivia to remain last in 10-nation round-robin competition, a result that cost head coach Ricardo Gareca his job. Uruguay beat Venezuela at home 2-0, with goals from Rodrigo Aguirre and Giorgian de Arrascaeta, and edged closer to one of the six direct World Cup spots with 24 points. Venezuela, with 18, is one ahead of Bolivia in the contest for seventh place that grants an intercontinental playoff berth. Lionel Messi had a quiet night in Argentina's draw with Colombia in Buenos Aires. Luis Díaz opened the scoring for the visitors in the 24th minute. Enzo Fernandez was sent off in the 70th minute to the disappointment of more than 80,000 fans at the Monumental de Nunez Stadium. But Julián Alvarez scored the equalizer in the 81st with low cross. Colombia, with 22 points, will play for its World Cup future later this year against Bolivia and Venezuela. Ancelotti received some frustration from fans after Thursday's 0-0 draw with Ecuador, as his team focused on defending the entire match. The Italian coach, who turned 66 Tuesday, promised changes to make his team more aggressive at the NeoQuimica Arena. Gabriel Martinelli replaced midfielder Gerson and was one of the best players of the encounter. Raphinha returned after suspension and created many problems for Paraguay's defense. And Vinicius Júnior was often seen as a targetman, sharing the duties with Matheus Cunha. A mistake by Paraguay's defense, a low cross by Cunha and a gentle touch by Brazil's new No. 10 produced the only goal of the match. Despite the low score, the hosts were much more aggressive than in most of its games in this World Cup qualifying campaign. 'We needed to win here for our people. Now we have more time to work, see what we can improve,' Vinicius said after the match. He won't play Brazil's next game in qualifying against Chile due to suspension. 'We need to celebrate this. After September it is all about the World Cup.' Chile's golden generation won two Copa America titles — in 2015 and '16 — but is out of contention for next year's expanded 48-team tournament. 'Sad, I am feeling bad. Never lived something like this. We have to ask people to forgive us,' veteran Chile striker Alexis Sánchez said. 'We have to keep working. There's change already, the golden generation is buried, I am the only one left.' Bolivia scored first via Miguel Terceros in the fifth minute and added a second in the 90th with Enzo Monteiro at the 4,150-meter high El Alto Stadium, outside La Paz. Gareca, the 67-year-old Argentinian coach who took Peru to the 2018 World Cup, told a post-game news conference he was leaving the team after a 17-match stretch that included four wins, four draws and nine losses. 'I want to publicly thank the players and the executives for the support they gave us until the very end,' Gareca said.
Hamilton Spectator
4 days ago
- Sport
- Hamilton Spectator
Brazil qualifies for the 2026 World Cup with a 1-0 win over Paraguay
Brazil secured its direct spot in the World Cup on Tuesday with a 1-0 victory over Paraguay in Sao Paulo. Vinicius Júnior scored the only goal of the match in the 43rd minute in Carlo Ancelotti's home debut as Brazil's national team coach. Ecuador could also secure its direct berth on Tuesday at Peru. ___ AP soccer:
Nahar Net
21-03-2025
- Sport
- Nahar Net
Vinicius Júnior's late goal seals Brazil win over Colombia in South American qualifying
by Naharnet Newsdesk 21 March 2025, 16:15 A last-minute goal by Vinicius Júnior secured Brazil's 2-1 win over Colombia in World Cup qualifying on Thursday, helping his team and millions of fans avoid more disappointment. A draw would have seen Brazil slump to sixth in the South American standings. Instead, Brazil moved to second spot behind Argentina after Vinicius Júnior's long-range goal. The top six teams in South America are guaranteed spots at next year's World Cup in Canada, the U.S. and Mexico, and so the victory released some pressure on Brazil coach Dorival Júnior ahead of next week's game against Argentina. The five-time champions have never missed a World Cup. Lionel Scaloni's Argentina squad has 25 points after 12 games — four points clear of Brazil (21 points from 13 games) — and is close to securing its place in the 2026 World Cup. Argentina will be without Lionel Messi when it plays at Uruguay on Friday, four days before its scheduled showdown with Brazil. The last time the two South American powerhouses met, Argentina won 1-0 at the Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro in 2023. Brazil midfielder Bruno Guimarães and defender Gabriel Magalhães were booked against Colombia and will miss the match in Buenos Aires on Tuesday. Goalkeeper Alisson and Colombian defender Davinson Sánchez were substituted in the concussion protocol, and will also miss the next match in World Cup qualifying. Colombia will play host to Paraguay next week. VINICIUS SAVES BRAZIL Brazil appeared more energized than in previous games, with speed, high skill and an early goal from the spot suggesting that coach Dorival Júnior had found a starting lineup to get the job done. But then a defensive mistake put it all at risk for the hosts in Brasilia until a moment of brilliance by Vinicius Júnior. Raphinha scored in the 6th minute after Vinicius Júnior was fouled in the penalty box. After that, Brazil kept possession, but didn't put on real pressure to add a second in front of 70,000 fans. Colombia equalized with a crossed shot by Luis Diaz in the 41st, assisted by James Rodríguez. The visitors got the ball at the edge of Brazil's box from substitute Joeliton, who replaced injured Gerson. Both teams struggled with accuracy in the second half until Vinicius Júnior took a shot from long distance which deflected off Jefferson Lerma and beat goalkeeper Camilo Vargas. "This was very important, we deserved to win. I deserved this goal too for all I have worked for," Vinicius Júnior said of his first goal in this qualifying tournament. "It was a bit of relief, a bit of happiness." Brazil coach Dorival Júnior said the win was key "because of our moment, our situation and for our process." "We're feeling now that we are on a path. It's not all ideal, but we will be improving every round." Colombia coach Néstor Lorenzo was upset with the result. "We had a great match again and we leave with nothing," Lorenzo said. "We deserved more, once again." Colombia is in 6th place with 19 points. PARAGUAY EDGES CLOSER Paraguay remained unbeaten under coach Gustavo Alfaro with a tense 1-0 win over Chile in front of raucous fans in Asuncion. The hosts dominated most of the match and maintained pressure on their rivals, who could barely create scoring opportunities. Omar Alderete scored the winner on the hour with a classic Paraguayan strategy: a set piece led to two headers that enabled Alderete to shoot from close range. It boosted Paraguay's chances of qualifying for the World Cup. Paraguay has 20 points and is fourth in the standings. Chile, with nine points, is last in the round-robin competition. Also on Thursday, Peru beat Bolivia 3-1. Andy Polo scored in the 37th minute, Paolo Guerrero added a second in the 45th and Edison Flores finished it off in 82nd. Miguel Terceros netted Bolivia's goal from the spot in the 58th minute. Bolivia remains in seventh place with 13 points, which keeps the team in contention for inter-continental playoffs for World Cup spots. Peru has 10 points and is in ninth place.
