Late Barbosa penalty keeps Brazil perfect
CARACAS: Gabriel Barbosa’s penalty five minutes from time maintained Brazil’s perfect start to South American World Cup qualifying with a come from behind 3-1 win over Venezuela on Thursday.
It was a ninth win from nine for the Selecao and extended their lead in the single South American qualifying group to eight points over unbeaten Argentina, who drew 0-0 in Paraguay.
Eric Ramirez’s early goal gave Venezuela a shock lead in Caracas but Marquinhos equalised with a header before Barbosa’s late penalty.
Substitute Antony rubbed salt into unlucky Venezuela’s wounds five minutes into injury time to leave the hosts rooted to the bottom of the table.
“It was a tough game, we started off well below our level,” admitted Marquinhos.
“It was our second half performance that got us the positive result we wanted.”
Shorn of the suspended Neymar, Brazil clearly missed his spark, dominating possession but creating little until their late rally.
Paraguay kept Lionel Messi quiet in a goalless draw in Asuncion.
Despite enjoying almost 70 percent of possession and most of the first half chances, Argentina rarely looked like breaking down their organised hosts.
“We just lacked a goal from our clear chances,” moaned Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni.
“Paraguay had us in difficulty a few times but we dominated.”