Estevao leads Brazil to WC qualifiers victory over Chile at Maracana

Agency :

Brazil secured a commanding 3-0 victory over Chile in World Cup (WC) qualifiers action at Maracaná Stadium on Thursday. The Brazilian national team dominated possession and created multiple scoring opportunities while maintaining a clean sheet against Chile in the South American qualifying campaign. By virtue of Thursday’s victory , Brazil stormed into the World Cup 2026 spot.
Brazil controlled the match from start to finish, recording 64 per cent possession compared to Chile’s 36 per cent. The home team attempted 22 shots with seven on target, while Chile managed just three shots with none finding the target. Brazil completed 586 passes at 89 per cent accuracy, significantly outpacing Chile’s 334 passes at 80 per cent accuracy.
Estêvão opened the scoring for Brazil in the 38th minute, giving the home team a 1-0 advantage heading into halftime. Lucas Paquetá extended Brazil’s lead in the 72nd minute with an assist from L. Henrique. Bruno Guimarães sealed the victory with Brazil’s third goal in the 76th minute.
Brazil deployed a 4-2-3-1 formation with Alisson in goal and a defensive line featuring W. França, Marquinhos, Gabriel, and D. Santos. The midfield pairing of B. Guimarães and Casemiro provided the foundation for Brazil’s attack, which included Estêvão, Raphinha, and G. Martinelli supporting striker J. Pedro.
Chile countered with a 3-4-3 formation featuring G. Maripán, P. Díaz, and I. Román in defense, with L. Vigouroux manning the goal for the visiting team.
Both teams made multiple substitutions throughout the match. Brazil introduced Richarlison for Raphinha in the 79th minute, while Lucas Paquetá and Kaio Jorge entered the match in the 71st minute, replacing Gabriel Martinelli and João Pedro respectively.
Chile responded with several changes, bringing on Maximiliano Gutiérrez for Alexander Aravena in the 78th minute. Lucas Assadi and Rodrigo Echeverría also entered for Chile as manager N. Córdova sought to alter the match dynamics.
The referee issued yellow cards to one player from each team during the 90-minute contest. Brazil committed 14 fouls compared to Chile’s 11, while Chile was caught offside five times to Brazil’s two infractions.
Corner kicks were relatively even with Brazil earning four to Chile’s three. The match concluded after 90 minutes plus four minutes of stoppage time.

This victory strengthens Brazil’s position in the South American World Cup qualifiers standings. The comprehensive performance under manager C. Ancelotti demonstrates Brazil’s continued competitiveness in international football.
Chile, managed by N. Córdova, faces challenges in the qualifying campaign following this defeat at Maracaná Stadium.