Relentless Brazil thrash Chile to seal second place in World Cup qualifiers

Under the orders of Carlo Ancelotti, the coach named a team with four forwards from the start (Raphinha, Gabriel Martinelli, Estêvão and João Pedro), but only managed to open the scoring in the first half, despite complete dominance of the match.

In the second half, Brazil increased the intensity with the introduction of three more forwards (Richarlison, Luiz Henrique and Kaio Jorge) and took advantage of the fragility of the Chilean defense, which was already ineffective.

With the victory, Brazil, who had already secured a spot in the World Cup, took advantage of Ecuador's draw and took sole possession of second place, with 28 points, ten behind leaders Argentina.

Chile, already eliminated, opted for a revamped team with several youngsters, and tried to face Brazil as equals, starting the match with three forwards. But the Brazilian national team pressed from the first minute, creating clear chances with Gabriel Martinelli and Estevao, who wasted an opportunity by trying to turn inside the area.

Raphinha, moving all over the pitch and taking free kicks and corners, helped Brazil suffocate the visitors, while La Roja were limited to looking for counter-attacks. The connection between Estevao on the left and Raphinha in the center generated several dangerous plays, always neutralized by the Chilean defense.

Even with ample dominance (60% possession and six shots against none for Chile), La Roja almost opened the scoring in the 22nd minute in a counter-attack that ended with Brereton face to face with Alisson, before the intervention of Marquinhos and the offside call.

The first Brazilian goal came in the 38th minute: Estevao took advantage of a ball from Raphinha on the edge of the area and rippled the net, scoring his first goal in his sixth match for the national team.

Chile almost lost Maripán, who received a red card after a foul on Wesley, but the decision was reverted to a yellow by VAR. In added time, Alisson saved Brazil from a draw with a header from Paulo Díaz, disallowed for offside.

In the second half, Brazil maintained possession and rhythm, but found it difficult to extend their lead against Chile's organized defense. The entry of Luiz Henrique gave new impetus to the Canarinho: in the 72nd minute, he dribbled past opponents and served Lucas Paqueta, who scored.

Four minutes later, Bruno Guimaraes completed the rout by taking advantage of the rebound from Luiz Henrique's shot, who once again invaded the Chilean area after escaping several defenders.