Uruguay take point at Brazil and put pressure on them, incredible Valencia goal against Ecuador

The second consecutive draw for Brazil in the qualifying phase of the World Cup, in the Latin American zone, is a fact. The five-time world champions welcomed Uruguay to Bahia (Facundo Pellistri was the starter, with the Panathinaikos winger being substituted in the 66th minute) and got back on the scoreboard in the 55th minute from an elusive shot from outside the area by Federico Valverde, to finally take the draw with Gerson’s goal in the 62nd minute, which was also his first with the representative band of his country.

The 1-1 final left smiles on the faces of Uruguay as they moved up to 2nd place on their own with 20 points, five less than leaders Argentina, with “Seleção” staying in 5th place (the last to give a direct ticket to the final stage) and to be one point behind 6th Paraguay.

As for the two teams that are above the Brazilians occupying 3rd and 4th place respectively, these are Colombia and Ecuador (both on 19 points) who faced each other at the home of the former, with the visitors leaving with the three points thanks to a stunning solo goal by Ener Valencia who made a mad dash past four players before slotting the ball into the net.

This success, in fact, acquires even greater dimensions if one considers that Ecuador defended its advantage by playing from the 34th minute with a numerical disadvantage due to Hincapier’s dismissal with a red card.

The standings of the qualifiers (12 matches)

• Argentina 25
• Uruguay 20
• Ecuador 19
• Colombia 19
• Brazil 18
• Paraguay 17
• Bolivia 13
• Venezuela 12
• Chile 9
• Peru 7

The highlights

Brazil – Uruguay 1-1

Colombia – Ecuador 0-1

Chile – Venezuela 4-2