Argentina make history in Brazil to win brutal Maracanã qualifier | OneFootball

Argentina snatched all three points in Brazil to reclaim top-spot in CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying and become the first ever team to beat Brazil away from home in a World Cup qualifier.

Scorers: Otamendi 63′

Physicality reigned supreme in the opening 45 minutes after the start of the game was delayed by crowd trouble. Neither side appeared all-too keen to look for the opening goal, instead the game’s momentum was halted by continuous fouls.

According to Opta, the 22 fouls in the first half was the most in the opening interval of any South American qualifier in the current campaign.

After the break, the deadlock was finally broken. After leaping high above the Brazil defence, Nicolás Otamendi headed the visitors into the lead to stun the Brazilian crowd.

As Brazil pushed to level the scoreline, their chances stuttered when Joelinton was sent off for a hand to the face of an Argentine player.

The hosts still carved out a few chances despite the numerical disadvantage, but the rock-solid Argentina rearguard stood up to the task.

A second straight loss for Brazil sees them remain in sixth place in the standings for now, just two points above the play-off zone.