Brazil loses to Argentina in a game marked by confusion and bitter defeat

Qualifiers

Game started late due to widespread fan fight

Argentina beat Brazil 1-0 this Tuesday (21), at Maracanã, in a classic valid for the sixth round of World Cup qualifiers, which started late because of a widespread fan fight.

With a goal from Otamendi, the current champion regained the lead, while Fernando Diniz’s team fell to 6th place and suffered their first home defeat in the tournament’s history.

Both teams had a hot first half, but without many opportunities for either side. There were 22 fouls, 16 of which were caused by Brazil.

Fernando Diniz’s team created the only dangerous chance in the opening half, when Romero saved Gabriel Martinelli’s shot almost over the line 44 minutes into the game.

In the 2nd half, Brazil continued on top and only didn’t open the scoring at the beginning because Raphinha stopped after a great save by Dibu Martínez, at 9. Afterwards, Jesus passed by Romero and passed the ball to Martinelli, who again was in the lead. Argentine goalkeeper.

Until at 17, when Argentina first arrived, Lo Celso took a corner, Otamendi rose above the mark and, with a header, opened the scoring for Albiceleste.

In his possible farewell to Maracanã, Lionel Messi, with a discreet performance, left the pitch at 31 for Di María to enter.

And if Brazil’s situation was already complicated, it became even worse after losing Joelinton. The midfielder, who had just replaced Gabriel Magalhães, hit De Paul in the face and was sent off at 38.

With shouts of “shameless team” and “olé” coming from the stands as a form of protest, the team tried to react, but was unable to avoid the first defeat at home in the history of the qualifiers. There were 64 games, with 51 wins and 13 draws so far.

Regrettable scenes before the classic

During the national anthem of the two teams, Brazilians and Argentines clashed in the stands, and the police took violent action.

In the confusion, in addition to punches being exchanged, chairs were destroyed and thrown from one side to the other. Police officers used batons against fans involved in the fight.

Players from both teams went close to the scene with the intention of asking for calm. Messi pulled the Argentines, who left the pitch and went to the dressing room.

Quite excited, goalkeeper Dibu Martínez even attacked a police officer.

As a result, the match started almost 30 minutes later, at 9:57 pm.

Qualifier classification:

• Brazil: 6th place, with 7 points
• Argentina: leader with 15 points

Brazil’s next games:

• England (F) – 23/03, to be confirmed – Friendly
• Spain (F) – to be confirmed – Friendly

Argentina’s next games:

• Chile (C) – 09/05/24, to be confirmed – 2026 World Cup Qualifiers
• Colombia (F) – 10/09/24, to be confirmed – 2026 World Cup Qualifiers

*With information from ESPN

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