In a fiercely contested match, Brazil and Uruguay ended their World Cup qualifier in a 1-1 draw on Tuesday, keeping both teams within striking distance of the top spots in the CONMEBOL standings.
Uruguay took the lead in the 55th minute when Real Madrid midfielder Federico Valverde launched a stunning long-range shot into the far corner, showcasing his exceptional skill. However, Brazil quickly responded seven minutes later as Flamengo's Gerson delivered a brilliant volley, leveling the score and demonstrating his rising prowess on the international stage.
Currently, Brazil sits fifth in the CONMEBOL rankings with 18 points, trailing Colombia and Ecuador by just one point. Uruguay remains second with 20 points, five behind leaders Argentina. The top six teams will secure automatic qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
Despite Brazil's relentless efforts to secure a victory, late attempts by Luis Enrique and Raphinha went unanswered, leading to frustration among the home fans at Arena Fonte Nov.
Gerson expressed his determination, stating, \"We knew it was a tough game and we wanted to win. We'll just have to keep working at our clubs and next year when there's another international break we can go for it.\" Meanwhile, Raphinha remained proud of the team's performance, adding, \"We did everything we could to get the result. We played a lot of football and we have to leave with our heads held high.\"
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Gerson gives Brazil 1-1 draw with Uruguay in World Cup qualifier
cgtn.com
