Brazil trusting local players in World Cup qualifying and Argentina faces rising Bolivia

Neymar, Vinicius Júnior, problem for Brazil.

Two players from local giant Botafogo rescued Brazil and coach Dorival Júnior from ar embarrassment last Friday in a last-minute 2-1 victory at Chile in South American qualifying for 2026 World Cup.

Under pressure from fans and even country's President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, Júnior is expected to give more playing time to Botafogo strikers Igor Jesus and Luiz Henrique, scorers in Santiago. Jesus, and t Real Mrid striker Endrick, is once more set to start as a center forward, and Henrique is a likely substitute for Savinho in second half.

But for ir goals, a fourth straight loss in qualifying for Brazil could have meant beginning of end for coach Júnior, who took over only in January.

Going by Monday’s training, Júnior could be set to use ar local player as a replacement for suspended Lucas Paquetá. Flamengo midfielder Gerson's presence would beef up team’s physicality against Peru in Brasilia on Tuesday night.

Two or new players are also expected to be in Brazil’s starting 11: Right back Vanderson replacing Danilo, and midfielder André taking place of Bru Guimarães.

rescue act by two Botafogo players has reignited an old debate in Brazil; should national team feature only players from big European leagues for major competitions? President Lula h his say.

“I was watching (Brazil vs. Chile) and I only knew goalkeeper (Ederson), PSG defender (Marquinhos), Rodrygo and Raphinha, who I recognized because of his hairstyle,” Lula told rio CBN in an interview. “I didn’t kw se players. y should get those who play here in Brazil to play for national team.”

Since he took over Brazil, Júnior has called on 20 local-based players. Tuesday’s match could make case for or local talents in squ such as Botafogo left back Alex Telles and Cruzeiro midfielder Maus Pereira.

Brazil rose to fourth on table on 13 points, behind Lionel Messi’s Argentina (19), Colombia (16), and Uruguay (15).

Argentina tops standings but is under a little pressure when it welcomes Bolivia in Bues Aires on Tuesday. Argentines have taken just one point from ir last two qualifiers: A 2-1 defeat at Colombia and a 1-1 draw with Venezuela.

Defender Cristian Romero will replace Germán Pezzella after serving a suspension. Midfielder Alexis Mac Allister, who did t play against Venezuela, is a likely replacement for Thiago Alma. And striker Lautaro Martínez and Julián Álvarez are in contention for starting lineup.

Bolivia has a different attitude than team which succumbed to Argentina 3-0 in La Paz at start of qualifying a year ago.

Under new coach Óscar Villegas and following move to Estio Municipal in El Alto, 4,150 meters above sea level, Bolivia has won three consecutive matches in qualifying against Venezuela, Chile, and Colombia.

Bolivia has risen to fifth place, inside top six positions that directly qualify for World Cup. Bolivians last qualified for World Cup in 1994.

Also on Tuesday, Uruguay coach Marcelo Bielsa will be in spotlight when y host Ecuor.

Players past and present have been criticizing Bielsa's methods, and 1-0 defeat at Peru last Friday has upped pressure on coach.

“I kw that my authority was somehow affected,” Bielsa said after defeat in Lima.

Ecuor coach Sebastián Becaccece defended Bielsa, a fellow Argentine. Becaccece said in a press conference that he sees Bielsa “as a soccer far” and “a reference t only in my career, but also in my life.”