The highly anticipated World Cup qualifier fixture of Argentina vs Brazil ended in a 0-0 draw. Neither side was able to achieve the breakthrough in the 90 minutes, and they both took a point each from the game.
Brazil have already qualified for the 2022 World Cup, since they have a six point lead at the top of the table. Due to other results in the group, Argentina have joined their rivals into the tournament as well.
Despite a lack of goals, there were plenty of interesting takeaways from the game. There was uncertainty about Lionel Messi’s presence in the team since he is recovering from a knee injury. The PSG winger started the game but looked a little off his best.
Real Madrid hotshot Vinicius Jr had the best chance of the game in the 17th minute, but his attempt to beat Emiliano Martinez came off the wrong side of his foot and went out for a goal kick.
Arguably the biggest talking point from the big Argentina vs Brazil game was Nicolas Otamendi getting away with elbowing Raphinha in the face. The Leeds United winger was competing for a ball with Otamendi, who’s elbow caught Raphinha in the jaw. The winger had to receive treatment immediately, since he was bleeding from the mouth.
VAR checked the issue, but somehow allowed the centre-back to continue playing, in a very surprising decision.
Argentina vs Brazil was the highlight of this international break, and now both teams have made it to the World Cup. The players will now head back to their clubs, and can relax for the last set of CONMEBOL qualifiers.