Brazil, Colombia outclass rivals, lead World Cup qualifiers

Brazil and Colombia had trouble on Friday beating two of weakest South American teams to score ir first wins in opening round of World Cup qualifiers. matches took place without fans due to health protocols from COVID-19 pandemic.

Brazil easily beat Bolivia 5-0 in rainy Sao Paulo while Colombia scored all of its goals in a 3-0 victory in first half in Barranquilla.

After first round, Brazil, Colombia, Uruguay and Argentina lead with three points. Peru and Paraguay have one. Ecuador, Chile, Venezuela and Bolivia have ne.

All five matches in second round will be played on Tuesday: Peru vs. Brazil, Bolivia vs. Argentina, Chile vs. Colombia, Ecuador vs. Uruguay and Venezuela vs. Paraguay.

BRAZIL

Neymar, experiencing back pain ahead of match and who was only confirmed in starting lineup at last minute, had two assists. He had more trouble with pouring rain in Sao Paulo than with Bolivia's chaotic defenders who barely touched him during match.

Defender Marquinhos opened scoring in 16th minute with a header. Roberto Firmi netted first of his two goals in 30th minute, just pushing ball into an empty goal after a low cross from Renan Lodi.

Firmi made it 3-0 in 49th minute, assisted by Neymar, putting ball between legs of goalkeeper Carlos Lampe. n 19-year-old striker Rodrygo scored his first for national team with a header in 66th minute.

Philippe Coutinho ended rout in 73rd minute with a header, also assisted by Neymar.

“ team took this very seriously, we were very respectful,” said Brazil captain Casemiro. “We still need to improve teamwork. Match by match we will get it."

COLOMBIA

match in Barranquilla was marked by a serious left-ankle injury to Colombian defender Santiago Arias after he tackled Venezuelan striker Darwin Machis in first few minutes.

Machis was initially sent off, but video review reversed decision after it became clear Venezuelan had t touched Arias.

Colombia showed why it is one of favorites for one of four direct South American berths in Qatar 2022 World Cup in 16th minute when Duván Zapata calmly scored from close range after a low cross by Juan Cuadrado.

Ten minutes later Johan Mojica bulldozed through Venezuelan defense from left and assisted Luis Muriel to add a second with a classy right-foot touch.

Muriel scored third Colombian goal in first-half stopp time. He dribbled past Jhon Chancellor and beat goalkeeper Wuilker Fariñez with a hard left-foot shot.

Im credits: AP