Chile’s Alexis Sanchez celebrates his goal, the team’s second in a 2-0 win over Brazil on Thursday night in South American 2018 World Cup qualifying.
Advertisement
“It’s an important step because Brazil have a great record against us in World Cup qualifiers”, Chile coach Jorge Sampaoli said.
The hosts had been the better of the two sides with Sanchez and Mauricio Isla hitting the woodwork and it was no surprise when Hoffenheim star Vargas made the breakthrough.
Despite this, come into the match fresh from two friendly victories that they played after being knocked out of the Copa America in the quarter finals by Paraguay through penalties.
Despite injury concerns surrounding Sanchez and Vidal, both started for Chile as Sampaoli used nearly the same starting XI that beat Argentina at Copa America with the only change being Gonzalo Jara in for Charles Aranguiz.
Brazil were without the suspended Neymar and injured pair Philippe Coutinho and Roberto Firmino, with Hulk starting up front.
The opening 45 minutes was a cagey affair, with neither side pushing up too high. As well as his goal he the post after a Mark Gonzalez delivery and proved a constant nuisance for the Brazilian defence.
Just a minute later, Caicedo doubled Ecuador’s lead, sending in a cross from a streaking Antonio Valencia.
Meanwhile, fans of Germany, Poland and Ireland will be scratching their heads and sporting furrowed brows as they try to figure out their teams’ chances of qualifying for Euro 2016 ahead of Sunday’s final round of Group D matches.
Vargas scored in the 72nd minute, chipping in a free kick from Matias Fernandez.
Brazil nearly levelled immediately when Ricardo Oliveira just missed out on getting on the end of Willian’s low cross.
Advertisement
Chile would seal their win in the 90th minute as Sanchez and Vidal played a one-two, poked in by the former despite an initial block on the line.
