Both Argentina and Brazil lost their last matches in the Latin zone of World Cup qualifiers. Messi-less Argentina lost 1-0 to Ecuador. In the other match, Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti had to pay the price for keeping the regular XI.
\nArgentina already qualified for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers from the top of the table. The Albiceleste wanted to make the match more exciting with a victory against Ecuador in the last match. Therefore, coach Lionel Scaloni wanted to rest the regular XI and play on the side bench in the match, maintaining the rules. The team’s main man Lionel Messi did not play.
\nHosts Ecuador made the world champions sweat in the first 15 minutes at the Estadio Monumental. In the 31st minute, the match captain Nicolas Otamendi saw a red card for a bad push on Ener Valencia in the box.
\nEcuador took the lead in the first half from the penalty spot. Argentina’s 10-man team was unable to equalize in the first half.
\nIn the fifth minute of the second half, the home team was reduced to 10 men. Midfielder Moises Caicedo was sent off after receiving a second yellow card for a foul on Nicol\u00e1s Gonz\u00e1lez.
\nAfter that, Ecuador’s attack slowed down. But Argentina failed to capitalize on that opportunity. Despite taking eight shots on goal throughout the match, Argentina, apart from Messi, failed to score a single shot on target. Argentina finished top of the table with 38 points from 18 matches.
\nOn the other hand, on the day of Argentina’s defeat, five-time world champions Brazil were also playing their last World Cup qualifiers in the Latin region. The opponents were Bolivia. Like Argentina, Brazil regularly fielded new players.
\nBrazil’s play at the Municipal Stadium lacked familiarity or pace. Moreover, the Bolivian stadium was high above the ground, making it difficult for Carlo Ancelotti’s players to play.
\nIn the first half, hosts Bolivia were awarded a penalty after Bruno Guimar\u00e3es fouled Roberto Fernandes. Teseros put Bolivia ahead with a successful spot kick.
\nThe hosts eventually won the match with that single goal. Bolivia beat Brazil on home soil to keep their hopes of playing in the 2026 World Cup final alive.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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