Brazil 2:1 Chile (October 10, 2024) Match analysis

Lackluster Brazil managed a final 2-1 away win over Chile in South American World Cup qualifying on Thursday thanks to an 89th-minute goal from substitute Luiz Henrique.

After a disappointing loss to Paraguay and losing four of their last five qualifying games with a string of poor performances, Brazil had to recover from a goal deficit when Eduardo Vargas gave the locals the lead with a fine header from Felipe Loyola's cross in the second minute.

Chile wasted chances to extend their lead, but Brazil equalized in stoppage time before the break when Savinho made a good run down the right and crossed to Igor Jesus, who headed a powerful header past the goalkeeper with his first shot hit-up for the national team.

Brazil controlled the second half and got a deserved winner late on, thanks to a great shot from Jesus' teammate at Brazilian league leaders and Copa Libertadores semi-finalists Botafogo Luiz Henrique, who curled a shot from the edge of the box to save the five. The then world champion got the much-needed points.

The victory moved Brazil to fourth place in the standings with 13 points, two behind Uruguay and eight ahead of leaders Argentina. Chile is second from bottom with five points.

Earlier on Thursday, leaders Argentina were held to a 1-1 draw by Venezuela as Lionel Messi returned to the national team after injury.

The Argentina captain brilliantly set up Nicolás Otamendi on a sodden pitch to open the scoring 13 minutes after kick-off, but a relentless Venezuela fought back and equalized in the second half with a header from Salomón Rondón.

In-form Bolivia claimed a tough 1-0 win, their third win in a row, and handed second-placed Colombia their first defeat of qualifying.

Trying to end a 13-game winning streak against their opponents, Bolivia started well but had to play with 10 men for most of the game as Héctor Cuéllar was sent off with a straight red card for hitting striker Roger Martinez last The man was brought down in the 20th minute.

However, the combative locals managed to score the winner with an impressive shot from Miguel Terceros, who dominated near the right touchline and cut inside to beat two Colombian defenders before firing a fine left-footed shot that went into the top left corner flew in the 58th minute.

Argentina are at the top of the table with 19 points, three ahead of Colombia and four ahead of third-placed Uruguay, which still has a game in hand and faces bottom-placed Peru on Friday.

Brazil climbed to fourth place, overtaking Ecuador, who are in fifth place with 12 points after a goalless draw with Paraguay.

Based on goal difference, Bolivia is in sixth place behind Ecuador, followed by Venezuela one point behind in seventh place. Only the top six are guaranteed a place in the 2026 finals.