Brazil are the first country to qualify for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia after defeating Paraguay 3 - 0 on Wednesday.
The win coupled with Uruguay's loss sends the Selecao' to Russia with four games to spare. Tite's side joins host Russia as the only two teams with a spot in next summer's event. Russia qualify automatically as host nation. Phil Coutinho, Neymar and Marcelo scored the goals that secured victory over Paraguay before watching Peru's 2-1 victory over Uruguay later in the night that officially sealed a ticket to Russia.
The 2014 World Cup host lost its first game in CONMEBOL qualifying to Chile, but failed to suffer defeat in the 13 subsequent matches recording 10 win and three draws. The stellar run has Brazil sitting on 33 points after 14 matches.
Colombia, Uruguay and Chile occupy the remaining three guaranteed World Cup spots on the standings. Argentina without their talisman Lionel Messi due to suspension are in fifth place and would have to qualify for Russia via a playoff with an Oceania side. NAIJ.com recalls that Messi was suspended because he insulted a referee's mother in his side's 1 - 0 qualifying game against Chile which he scored the only goal. Argentina lost 2 - 0 to bolivia without their talisman which leave them with little chance of qualifying for the games.
The win coupled with Uruguay's loss sends the Selecao' to Russia with four games to spare. Tite's side joins host Russia as the only two teams with a spot in next summer's event. Russia qualify automatically as host nation. Phil Coutinho, Neymar and Marcelo scored the goals that secured victory over Paraguay before watching Peru's 2-1 victory over Uruguay later in the night that officially sealed a ticket to Russia.
The 2014 World Cup host lost its first game in CONMEBOL qualifying to Chile, but failed to suffer defeat in the 13 subsequent matches recording 10 win and three draws. The stellar run has Brazil sitting on 33 points after 14 matches.
Colombia, Uruguay and Chile occupy the remaining three guaranteed World Cup spots on the standings. Argentina without their talisman Lionel Messi due to suspension are in fifth place and would have to qualify for Russia via a playoff with an Oceania side. NAIJ.com recalls that Messi was suspended because he insulted a referee's mother in his side's 1 - 0 qualifying game against Chile which he scored the only goal. Argentina lost 2 - 0 to bolivia without their talisman which leave them with little chance of qualifying for the games.