Brazil registered a fantastic win over Bolivia in their first match of the World Cup qualifiers. The Brazilian side undoubtedly was better than its opponent as the team created more opportunities and capitalised on them more often than the opposition. Brazil enjoyed 80% of the ball possession and thus dominated majority of the phases throughout the game. Following this win, Brazil are now at the top of the table with 3 points and a goal difference of +4. Bolivia on the other hand are placed ninth and are yet to open their account.
The game began with both the sides looking to gain some momentum early on in the match. Brazil clearly seemed to be the more comfortable side with the ball in their possession. The side had a major opportunity to take the lead after being awarded a penalty in the 14th minute due to Jusino’s handball. Neymar stepped up to take the penalty but his weak attempt failed to follow a prepared viscarra as the no.10 was denied from the spot.
It was in the 24th minute that Brazil eventually took the lead. Raphinha’s fine shot was initially palmed away by Viscarra after which it took a deflection off Jusino and fell into the path of Rodrygo who found the net with ease from close range. Right at the end of the first half, Neymar displayed some brilliant piece of individual brilliance by executing a fantastic solo run from the halfway line.
He got past 5 defenders while making his run and with just the goalkeeper to beat tried to go for the far post. Viscarra however did amazingly well to deny the Al Hilal man just like he had done previously during the penalty kick.
The second half began and with it continued Brazil’s domination. It took just 2 minutes for the side to double it’s lead. Neymar found Raphinha with a lovely switch of play as the Barcelona man smashed a shot around the defender and past Viscarra into the net. Rodrygo scored Brazil’s third in the 53rd minute after Quinteros lost possession to Guimaraes who passed it into the path of the Real Madrid forward for the man to put it away with ease.
Just at around the one hour mark, Neymar finally had his name in the score sheet as Brazil lead 4-0. Following Rodrygo’s being brought down by a defender, the ball fell kindly to Neymar who scored confidently to surpass pele with his 78th international goal.
It was in the 78th minute when Victor Abrego managed to pull one back for Bolivia at last as he scored a cracking long range goal from 18 yards out. Neymar wrapped up the match by scoring Brazil’s fifth of the game in the stoppage time. Raphinha’s cross was precise as Neymar side footed it under the arm of Viscarra and in. FT:- Brazil 5-1 Bolivia.
