World Cup Qualifiers: Firmino scores as Brazil narrowly beat Venezuela

World Cup Qualifiers: Firmino scores as Brazil narrowly beat Venezuela
Brazil vs Venezuela

Brazil pulled of a narrow 1-0 victory over Venezuela in the World Cup Qualifiers. Moreover, Brazil have now won three successive games on the trot and sit comfortably at the top of the table. Roberto Firmino got the crucial goal for Brazil as they were missing their usual stars Coutinho and Neymar due to injuries. Meanwhile, Venezuela fought for their lives to get a point from this fixture but couldn’t put together any meaningful attack.

First Half

Brazil vs Venezuela

Brazil dominated much of the first half and peppered shots at the Ecuador goal. However, they had two goals ruled out for the correct reasons. Firstly, Richarlison’s goal was ruled out as Renan Lodi was offside in the build up. Next, Douglas Luiz’s effort was also ruled due to a foul on the goalkeeper. Moreover, Richarlison was also guilty of missing an goal as he inexplicably shot wide with the goal gaping from a Jesus pass. Meanwhile, Venezuela were happy to sit back and soak the pressure and barely ventured into Brazil’s half.

Second Half

https://twitter.com/LFC_Vines/status/1327433101291778048?s=20

Brazil continued to create opportunities and kept trying to breaking the deadlock. However, they had a handball decision in the box ruled out by VAR and Jesus put a free header wide of the post from a Richarlison cross. Nevertheless, the winning goal finally came in the 67th minute as Firmino was left with a simple tap in after the ball was put in his path from a header. Venezuela finally started attacking after this goal but couldn’t get a short on target as the time ran out.

Brazil coach, Tite will be relieved with this victory as Brazil extend their lead at the top of the table by two points. They face Uruguay next in a huge matchup between two equally talented teams.

Also Read: World Cup Qualifiers: Argentina held to a draw by Paraguay