Two goals in the first 12 minutes helped propel Argentina to a dominant 4-1 victory over Brazil in their World Cup qualifying clash in Buenos Aires.
Having secured their spot in next year’s tournament prior to kick-off as a result of Bolivia’s 0-0 draw with Uruguay, a Lionel Messi-less Argentina were in control from the opening whistle.
Poor defending allowed striker Julian Alvarez to get Argentina on the board in the fourth minute and some slick passing enabled Enzo Fernandez to double the lead eight minutes later.
Brazil pulled one back in the 26th minute via Matheus Cunha, but a third Argentina goal through Liverpool’s Alexis Mac Allister just before half-time halted any momentum for the visitors.
Brazil’s struggles continued in the second half as Giuliano Simeone picked up Argentina’s fourth goal in the 71st minute.
The result marked Brazil’s worst defeat in South American World Cup qualifying.
Brazil sit in fourth place in the standings with the top six clinching an automatic spot.
