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Brazil returned to winning ways in emphatic fashion, scoring twice in either half to beat Uruguay 4-1 in a FIFA World Cup 2022 qualifier.
Raphina bagged a brace, but it was Neymar who ran the show for Brazil with an early goal and two assists. Uruguay pulled one goal back, with Luis Suarez bagging a consolation strike in the 77th minute.
A goalless draw against Colombia on Monday brought an end to Brazil's win streak in the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign. But they returned to winning ways in style in front of their fans.
Neymar chested down Fred's pass near the box to open the scoring in the tenth minute. Raphina, continuing to impress for Brazil, scored his first international goal just eight minutes after his team had taken the lead.
He bagged his second of the game, the third for the hosts, in the 58th minute, with Neymar setting him up after a superb counter-attack. Luis Suarez reduced arrears with a free-kick in the 77th minute. But Brazil restored their three-goal lead when Neymar set up substitute Gabigol in the 83rd minute.
With the win, Brazil retain their top spot in the qualifying campaign. On that note. here's a take a look at five talking points from the game:
#5 Brazil yet to concede from open play in their last ten home games
Brazil have been very solid in their FIFA World Cup 2022 qualifying campaign, conceding just four goals in 11 games so far. Considering their home record in qualification games, including the 2018 campaign, Brazil went nine games without conceding a goal at home. That run ended with Luis Suarez's free-kick strike, though.
However, Brazil are yet to concede from open play in ten home games. Their run of nine games without a clean sheet is the longest in the history of the competition. But Tite won't mind seeing that streak end, as his side recorded a massive 4-1 win.
#4 Raphinha sizzles on his first start for Brazil
Raphinha earned his first Brazil call-up only this month. He made two appearances from the bench, in which he picked up as many assists, doing so against Venezuela.
He has been in great form in the 2021-22 campaign for Leeds United, bagging three goals in as many starts. On his first start for Brazil, he bagged a brace against Uruguay. That made him the first-ever Leeds player to score for the Selecao.
Considering his blistering start to life in international football, Raphinha is expected to be a feature of Brazil for a while.
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#3 Brazil cruise to victory against Uruguay despite Fernando Muslera's heroics
Brazil enjoyed a great game at the Amazonia Arena, dominating possession, shots on target and passing accuracy against Uruguay. Neymar orchestrated the play for his side. and Raphinha looked sharp every time he had the ball at his feet.
After scoring twice in quick succession, Brazil were unrelenting after the break, scoring 13 minutes into the second half. Raphina and Neymar combined for Brazil's third goal.
Fernando Muslera kept Uruguay in the game. With his sharp reflexes, Muslera denied Gabriel Jesus twice, Raphinha once and also palmed away Gabigol's two efforts on target. Uruguay didn't offer much going forward, so Muslera's exploits meant they didn't endure a more heavy defeat.
#2 Neymar continues to impress for Brazil
Neymar has enjoyed a great run in 2021 for Brazil, scoring and picking up assists at will. He was part of the team that lost to Argentina in the Copa America 2021 final this summer. Neymar has been the Selecao's standout player in the qualifying campaign, bagging seven goals and assists apiece.
He is second in the goalscorers' list, and is the top assist provider in the ongoing FIFA World Cup qualifiers. Against Uruguay, the PSG attacker was imperious, opening the scoring by rounding off the goalkeeper before firing between two Uruguay defenders.
He also picked up two assists in the second half, including a cheeky pass to Gabigol for Brazil's fourth of the game. The goal was allowed to stand after a lengthy VAR review. Neymar now scored 70 goals for the Selecao, who are on the cusp of booking their place in Qatar.
Tite will hope his star player remains in form and stays fit at the World Cup finals next year.
#1 Uruguay's star-studded lineup fails to challenge Brazil
Uruguay did not win a single game in this month's qualifying games. They were up against the two best South American teams, Argentina and Brazil during this period, but their failure to step up in key games is concerning.
They failed to conjure decent chances from open play, and only scored from a free-kick. They looked disorganised in defence, and despite boasting the likes of Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani in the XI, could record only three shots on target against Brazil.
In fact, their best player in the game was goalkeeper Fernando Muslera, which is a testament to the struggles they endured against Brazil on Thursday.
