Brazil brush aside Paraguay in World Cup qualifier

Rafinha, Coutinho, Antony, Rodrygo give Brazil 12th qualifying victory, Argentina unbeaten in 29 games after Colombia win

By Selcuk Bugra Gokalp

ANKARA (AA) – Brazil cruised to a comfortable 4-0 win over Paraguay in Tuesday’s World Cup qualifier in Belo Horizonte.

Goals from Rafinha, Coutinho, Antony and Rodrygo gave Brazil their 12th win of the qualifying campaign, cementing their position at the top of the group with 39 points.

Brazil have no defeats in 15 qualifying games and are one of the favorites to lift the World Cup in December.

The loss ended Paraguay’s chances of making it to Qatar as they languish second bottom of the 10-team group with 13 points from 16 games.

In the day’s other fixture in the South American qualifying group, a first-half strike by Lautaro Martinez was enough for Argentina to beat Colombia 1-0, extending their unbeaten streak to 29 games.

With 35 points from 15 games, Argentina are placed second in the group and have already booked their spot in Qatar.

- Results:

Uruguay-Venezuela: 4-1

Argentina-Colombia: 1-0

Brazil-Paraguay: 4-0

Peru-Ecuador: 1-1

Kaynak: