Author: Barkha Roy
Uruguay won a historic victory against Brazil in the South American qualifier for the 2026 World Cup, marking their first win over the “Seleção” in 22 years. Liverpool’s Darwin Nunez played a key role in this triumph.
The hosts beat Brazil 2-0 in qualifying for the 2026 World Cup thanks to goals from Darwin Nunez and Nicolas de la Cruz. The match took a dark turn when Neymar had to leave the field at the end of the first half due to a potentially serious knee injury.
Nunez opened the scoring with a header in the 42nd minute. Just two minutes later, Brazil’s fortunes took a turn for the worse when Neymar was injured in a dispute with De la Cruz. Neymar, visibly distressed, was taken off the pitch on a stretcher after receiving medical attention.
Sources at the Brazilian Football Association indicated that Neymar had suffered a significant sprain to his left knee and would undergo tests to assess possible damage to the ligaments. Brazil’s captain, Casemiro, expressed concern about Neymar, recognizing his fundamental role in the team and his recurring setbacks with injuries.
Although Brazil dominated possession in an uninspiring first half, they failed to convert their chances. Uruguay opened the scoring with their first shot on goal. Maxi Araujo took advantage of a quick throw-in, dribbled past Brazilian defender Marquinhos and crossed for Nunez to score.
Uruguay kept up the pace in the second half, with De la Cruz extending the lead with a point-blank shot in the 77th minute. Nunez played a crucial role in the goal, after winning a tussle with two Brazilian defenders in the box. He controlled the ball masterfully from a throw-in, giving Nicolas de la Cruz the chance to shoot past Brazilian goalkeeper Ederson in the 77th minute, making it 2-0.
It marked Uruguay’s first victory over Brazil in a World Cup qualifier since a 1-0 win in Montevideo in July 2001. For five-time world champions Brazil, it was another disappointing result, following their 1-1 draw with Venezuela in the previous round.