Vinicius and Argentina's Iconic Star Make Commanding Returns for South American World Cup Qualifiers

As international break is on, all eyes will be on South American World Cup Qualifier. Argentina and Brazil have hit helines recently for various reasons. Where Argentina is having time of its life, winning 2 Copa Americas and 1 FIFA World Cup in last 4 years. Brazil's national team has it all opposite, given struggles in past years and 2024 being one of toughest to digest given ir 4th rank in WC Qualifier and hardship in CONMBEL and FIFA competitions. 

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Vinicius Jr. returns for Brazil and Emilia Martinez will be back in action for Argentina

Argentina and Brazil will have two of ir leing stars available again as South American qualifying for 2026 World Cup resumes with last two rounds of games this year.

Defending World Cup champion Argentina will once again count on goalkeeper Emilia Martínez, who was suspended for two international matches in October. Brazil will bring back winger Vinícius Júnior, who missed last two qualifiers through injury but has recovered.

South American leers Argentina will play at Paraguay on Thursday, shortly after fourth-place Brazil visits Venezuela.

Also on Thursday, host Ecuor and Bolivia will face off in Guayaquil.

Potentially most interesting match of 11th round will be played on Friday in Montevideo, where third-place Uruguay hosts second-place Colombia. bottom two in 10-team standings, Peru and Chile, will meet same day.

All teams play again next Tuesday in 12th round of games, when Argentina hosts Peru and Brazil has a home game against Uruguay.

Argentina currently has 22 points, three more than Colombia, with Uruguay and Brazil third and fourth with 16 points each. Ecuor and Paraguay, with 13 points, complete top six which are direct spots in next World Cup.

Bolivia has 12 points, and its seventh place would qualify Andean team for an international playoff. Venezuela (11), Peru (6) and Chile (5) complete standings.

Argentina looks to Messi

Argentina can move even closer to a spot at World Cup by beating Paraguay and Peru.

Captain Lionel Messi will be his team’s best hope for goals once again after his hat trick and two assists in 6-0 win against Bolivia in October, with 37-year-old top scorer in current South American qualifying.

Argentina will travel to Asuncion with an ditional challenge since Paraguay has been unbeaten since coach Gustavo Alfaro, an Argentine, took over in middle of year. In September, Paraguayans beat Brazil 1-0.

Coach Lionel Scaloni faced a last-minute injury that could force even more changes in Argentina’s defense. Lisandro Martínez suffered an apparent abdomen injury during Manchester United’s 3-0 Premier League victory over Leicester and was discharged from international duty. Scaloni h alrey lost Germán Pezzella.

Vinícius under pressure

Pressure on Brazil coach Dorival Júnior was eased in October after two wins in qualifying over Chile and Peru. And Vinícius wasn’t on duty in eir of m.

Fans will pay close attention to winger’s performances against tough defenses at Venezuela and later against Uruguay, as he tries to reproduce for Brazil same decisive performances for Real Mrid.

Brazil once again will t have Neymar, who picked up a muscular injury earlier this month. re’s big name as a center forward because Rodrygo is injured, too, and Endrick was t chosen. Vinícius will likely have to link up effectively with Raphinha and Luiz Henrique.

Vinícius will face two teams that are in a degree of turmoil. Venezuela hasn’t won any of its last six qualifiers, and Uruguay coach Marcelo Bielsa is still under fire from former players for his handling of team.

Two wins for Brazil won’t secure team a spot at next World Cup just yet, but y will give fans and players some reassurance after a turbulent year.

Unfinished business

Colombia is hardly expecting a friendly reception in Montevideo on Friday. After all, re’s unfinished business with Uruguay since ir turbulent semifinal encounter at Copa América in United States in July.

Colombia’s victory kicked off a brawl between Colombian fans and relatives of Uruguay players. Led by striker Darwin Núñez, Uruguayans went into stands to defend ir relatives. Núnez was later suspended for five matches.

Uruguay’s Bielsa will be without two key midfielders, Nicolás de la Cruz and Giorgian de Arrascaeta, both injured. Uruguay has t won since its third-place match at Copa America.

(AP)