Nicolás Otamendi’s 63rd-minute header earned Argentina all three points at the Maracana Stadium as the bad-tempered match proceeded from the stands to the pitch. For context, there was a 30-minute delay prior to the battle between the South American Giants as fans clashed in the stands in Rio de Janeiro. A scuffle broke out between local residents and Argentine fans during the national anthem before the game, prompting the Brazilian police to come cracking down on the group of spectators and then retaliating by tearing up seats and throwing them at officials. Thus, with the ongoing scuffle, the Argentinian players left the pitch until they resolved the issue.
Otamendi’s Header Leaves Argentina Top with Brazil in 6th
After the match resumed, the fighting from the stands transitioned onto the pitch as the match played out to a foul fest rather than a goal feast. To put it into perspective, the two teams contributed 42 fouls in 90 minutes as Joelinton even got sent off in the dying minutes with a red-card offence on Rodrigo de Paul. However, upon later reviewing, the Argentine seemed to conn the referee with a blatant flop.
Nevertheless, the match proceeded with more fouls than chances until Nicolás Otamendi scored from a Giovani Lo Celso corner in the 63rd minute with Argentina’s only shot on target. It was Otamendi’s second goal for Argentina in this World Cup qualifier, as he also scored the decisive goal for the squad in their home win against Paraguay back in October.
In addition, Otamendi’s goal also compounded Brazil to 6th with only seven points from 6 games, with themselves sitting pretty on top with 15. Otamendi and his team also made history as they handed Brazil their first home loss in a World Cup Qualifier in 64 matches, which they proudly held (51-13-0) prior to this defeat.
Moreover, this defeat is Brazil’s third on the spin, as they suffered prior losses to Uruguay and Colombia in succession. Fortunately for the Seleção, their next World Cup Qualifiers match is in September next year, and they have ample time to recover their form and regain their players, such as talisman Neymar and Vinicius Junior, are not part of this encounter due to injuries.
Otamendi puts Argentina ahead! Beautiful header! 🇦🇷 pic.twitter.com/4c4my1Gc2i
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) November 22, 2023
Brazil-Argentina Match Delayed Due to Police Clashing with Fans
As mentioned above, there was a 30-minute delay in the Brazil-Argentina match as both sections of fans started fighting during the national anthems, prompting the Brazilian police to charge the visiting contingent with batons. While the Brazilian fans retaliated by ripping up and throwing seats at the officers, fans who were there for just a game of football panicked and came onto the pitch to escape the fighting.
Unfortunately, not everyone left the scene without injuries, as one injured fan left the stadium on a stretcher. Despite Lionel Messi, Otamendi and co trying to calm the situation down, with Emiliano Martínez even racing to the stands to stop the officials from using their weapons, the Argentina team left the pitch, leaving the Brazil team to continue their warm-up on the field.
After the match, Messi stated: “We saw how they, the police, were hitting people, and many players had family members in that area. We couldn’t focus on playing the game. It also happened here in the Copa Libertadores. The Brazilian officers again repress the people. We decided to leave the field because it was impossible to play under those conditions. And we also thought heading back to the locker room could help calm the situation.”
In a message posted on his Instagram account after Argentina’s victory, Messi celebrated his national team’s victory but condemned the violence in the stands. “This team continues to make history…Great victory at the Maracana, although it will be marked by the repression of Argentina fans once again in Brazil. This madness can’t be tolerated, and it has to end now!!”
This actually very sad. Unacceptable from Brazil!! pic.twitter.com/mJt5Zawb5z
— Zack🥷🏿 (@HazardXMessi10) November 22, 2023
Is It Time to Sound the Red Alarm for Brazil?
Despite the home crowd’s best effort, it proved futile as Nicolás Otamendi’s header sent the home team well away from the top with them with 7 points in sixth, closer to the bottom of the table than the leaders. Although injuries are a factor in this horrid fun, it is still unacceptable for a team of such prestige. Brazil should be contesting with teams like Argentina and Uruguay in the standings rather than Peru and Bolivia.
While they have nearly a full year to address their problems, it is unlikely for them to pose any threat to the leaders of Argentina. Instead, they should focus on the larger picture, an international title. As a recap, Brazil’s last international trophy was in 2019, when they won the Copa América and 20 years since they last won the World Cup. Therefore, they must plan ahead and reclaim its glory as the best international team in the world.
As for Messi, Otamendi and Argentina, the team needs to keep their guard up as the Liverpool forwards of Darwin Núñez and Luis Díaz are keeping their respective teams near them in second and third. As for Messi himself, who has achieved everything in the sport, he could look forward to a meeting with an old rival, Cristiano Ronaldo, in February next year. To catch the action and news, check out AsiaSport for the latest coverage of your favourite teams and players.
😳🇧🇷 Brazil lose their first ever home FIFA World Cup qualifier… and it’s against Argentina. pic.twitter.com/bXuG5fSTiM
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) November 22, 2023