Richarlison and Arthur Melo were on target as Brazil extended their 100 per cent record in the FIFA World Cup 2022 Qualifiers, beating Uruguay 2-0.
It was a lively start to the game, with Brazil forward Gabriel Jesus causing some issues for the hosts, while Uruguay striker Darwin Nunez struck the woodwork just five minutes in. However, the first goal took some time coming, with Arthur Melo breaking the deadlock with a deflected effort in the 34th minute.
On the cusp of half-time, Richarlison doubled the Selecao’s lead rising high to head home a cross from Renan Lodi. Diego Godin almost pulled one back for Uruguay immediately after, but was denied by a superb save from Ederson as half-time arrived.
Brazil did well to stifle the hosts’ attack post the half-time break and things got much harder for them after Edinson Cavani was sent off by VAR for a stamp on Richarlison in the 70th minute. Soon after, Uruguay were dealt another blow with Martin Caceres’s goal getting chalked off for offside as Brazil held on for a hard-earned win.
The victory meant Brazil have picked up four wins in four in their qualifying campaign, and here’s how we rated the performances of Tite’s players on the night.
Ederson Moraes: 7/10
Made a fine stop to push Diego Godin’s effort over the bar on the verge of half-time. Showed good awareness and authority to deal with any potential threat in his box, while being comfortable with the ball at his feet as usual. Two clean sheets in two games will be a massive boost for his confidence.
Danilo: 6/10
A rather quiet game for the Juventus man, who, apart from some positive exchanges with Jesus on the right flank early on, failed to get involved a great deal. Not tested a great deal defensively on the night.
Marquinhos: 7/10
A solid and steady performance from the Brazilian centre-half, who dealt well with his ex-PSG teammate Cavani. Kept a check on the movement of both Cavani and Nunez, ensuring that the hosts did not have a single shot on target.
Thiago Silva: 7/10
The veteran centre-half has carried on his club form to the international level as he kept a lid on the Uruguay attack with relative ease. Apart from one moment when he was late to react to a cross, Silva hardly put a foot wrong in Montevideo.
Renan Lodi: 7.5/10
Having had a difficult game against Venezuela last time out, the Atletico Madrid left-back made amends with a strong display against the Uruguayans. Did well to make sure Nahitan Nandez didn’t enjoy much joy down his side while providing a constant outlet down the left-side. Got the assist for Richarlison’s goal with a fine cross after a short corner.
Everton Ribeiro: 7/10
Was a bright spark on the right flank as Brazil transitioned into a 4-4-2 when on the ball to make the best use of him in his preferred position on the right. Was involved in some neat combination play with the likes of Danilo and Jesus, while he played a role in the buildup to Richarlison’s goal.
Douglas Luiz: 7/10
An immense display from the Aston Villa star, who did the dirty work for Brazil, having slotted in as the deepest of the midfield trifecta. Always popped up to cut out any threat before it developed while keeping it simple with his distribution. Did pick up a yellow card in the first half for an iffy challenge.
Arthur Melo: 8/10
Having endured a difficult year at club level which saw him lose his spot in the Brazil squad, it is nice to see Arthur getting his groove back. Oozed calm and composure every time he was on the ball and displayed some neat footwork before opening the scoring via a deflected strike in the first period. Did his bit to deny the hosts’ spaces in midfield in the second period.
Gabriel Jesus: 7/10
Caused some problems early in the game for the hosts as he moved inwards from the right to create space for the likes of Danilo and Everton Ribeiro. Hit a few dangerous crosses into the box and got the assist for Arthur’s goal with one such delivery from the right.
Roberto Firmino: 5/10
A rather quiet outing for the Liverpool forward, who was dealt with much ease by the Uruguayan defence. Made one darting run getting past a couple of opposition players only to fire his effort straight at the goalkeeper. Needed to do more.
Richarlison: 8/10
A lively presence in the Canarinha attack with his movement and pace. Made a very good run before rising high to head home Brazil’s second of the night. Worked hard off the ball as well, providing defensive cover to Renan Lodi on the left, something which drew praise from manager Tite.
Substitutes
Everton Soares: 6/10
Came on for Richarlison with twenty minutes left to be played. Made a few sharp passes in the final third.
Lucas Paqueta: N/A
Stoppage time substitute for Everton Ribeiro.
Bruno Guimaraes: N/A
Stoppage time substitute for Luiz.
