In a stunning World Cup qualifying match played on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, Argentina dominated Brazil with a resounding 4-1 victory in Buenos Aires.
The match was pivotal for both teams as they continue to fight for a place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but it also marked one of Brazil’s most embarrassing performances in recent memory, with captain Marquinhos offering a public apology to the fans for the team’s poor display.
Argentina’s Commanding Performance
Despite being without star player Lionel Messi, Argentina showcased their strength with an emphatic win over their South American rivals.
Julian Alvarez and Enzo Fernandez gave Argentina an early 2-0 lead within the first 12 minutes of the game. Brazil, struggling to find any rhythm, failed to respond until a defensive error by Argentina’s Cristian Romero allowed Brazil’s Matheus Cunha to score, pulling the game to 2-1.
However, the momentary hope was short-lived as Alexis Mac Allister quickly restored Argentina’s two-goal lead before halftime, making it 3-1.
The match was sealed in the 71st minute when Giuliano Simeone, a fresh addition to the squad, made it 4-1, completing Brazil’s misery.
Argentina had several additional opportunities to extend their lead, but they were wasteful in front of goal. Still, the victory was a historic one for the home side, securing their qualification for the World Cup before the match even kicked off, thanks to Bolivia’s 1-1 draw with Uruguay earlier in the day.
Marquinhos’ Apology
Following the defeat, Brazil’s captain Marquinhos expressed his disappointment with the performance and apologized to the fans.
Speaking to Brazilian television station Globo, he described the loss as “embarrassing” and acknowledged the team’s poor start, saying, “What we did here can’t happen again. It’s hard to talk about it in the heat of the moment. It’s embarrassing.”
He added, “We started the game badly, far below what we could do, and Argentina, who are on a great run of confidence, knew how to play smartly. I’m sorry for our fans.”
Brazil’s national team has now been placed in a precarious position.
Though they are currently in fourth place with 21 points, they are not yet guaranteed qualification for the 2026 World Cup with four matches remaining.
The five-time World Cup champions, who are renowned for their attacking football, have struggled in their qualifiers, and this latest defeat is their worst-ever in World Cup qualifying history.
Argentina’s Strong Position
On the other hand, Argentina’s impressive performance has further solidified their dominance in the South American qualifying table. With 31 points from 14 matches, they are firmly at the top, 16 points ahead of Venezuela in seventh place.
As the top six teams from South America automatically qualify for the World Cup, Argentina’s spot in the tournament is already confirmed, and their focus will now turn to securing the best possible finish in the qualifiers.
Atletico Madrid forward Alcaraz expressed his pride in the team’s performance, saying, “It was a historic result, winning by 4-1, and that makes us really proud. I’m so happy for the fans.” Argentina’s victory was celebrated passionately by the home crowd, which was treated to a scintillating display of attacking football.
Paraguay and Colombia Draw, Tightening Qualification Race
Elsewhere in South American qualifying, Paraguay maintained their fifth-place position, securing a 2-2 draw against Colombia in Barranquilla.
Colombia took a commanding 2-0 lead within the first 13 minutes, courtesy of goals from Luis Diaz and Jhon Duran. However, Paraguay fought back with a goal just before halftime from Junior Alonso, and Julio Enciso scored the equalizer in the second half, ensuring the points were shared.
With this draw, Paraguay remains one point ahead of sixth-placed Colombia, both teams continuing to fight for the final automatic qualification spot.
The competition in South America for World Cup places remains fierce, and every point is crucial for teams still vying for a place in the tournament.
–BY Issah Olegor
