Despite a clumsy and unimpressive performance, Henrique’s late entrance proved to be the difference as the Selecao secured an important victory.
In CONMEBOL World Cup Qualification play on Thursday night, Brazil overcame Chile 2-1. Three points were secured by a winner in the 89th minute. With the win, they pass Ecuador and Bolivia and climb from sixth to fourth in the rankings.
Three points is three points at the end of the day, but this was a dismal road performance from one of the most illustrious programs in South America.
Less than 60 seconds into the game, the Selecao found themselves caught off guard and had to deal with the consequences. In the opening minute of the game, experienced forward Eduardo Vargas produced a spectacular headed effort that looped over Ederson’s head to give Chile a 1-0 lead.
Igor Jesus, a striker for Selecao, went home shortly before halfway to tie the score. The ball was presented to the Botafogo forward by Manchester City winger Savinho with a stunning cross.
Luiz Henrique of Botafogo extended their advantage in the 89th minute with a minute remaining in regulation, with his low-driven effort finding the bottom-left corner of the goal—just their second real scoring opportunity of the game.
Without their key player Vinicius Junior, who was injured and missing the game, Dorival Junior’s team put on a lackluster performance.
Even with a victory, the Selecao manager ought to be comfortable in his job at this point. His attack-heavy lineup had trouble playing cohesively, and his midfield choices were perplexing; both of these factors contributed to nearly two points being lost.
