FBL-WC-2026-SAMERICA-QUALIFIERS-ARG-BRAAFP
Jacob Schneider

Brazil player ratings vs Argentina: Vinicius Jr can't save them this time! Embarrassment for Selecao as Rodrygo has a shocker & Endrick anonymous in World Cup qualifying battering - and Lionel Messi didn't even play

The world champions dished out a lesson to their fierce South American rivals, with Matheus Cunha's goal one of very few positives for Dorival's side

It was an evening to forget for Brazil. Dorival Junior's side were outplayed, outcoached and outclassed by Lionel Scaloni's Argentina as they suffered a humiliating 4-1 loss on a night that saw their rivals clinch World Cup qualification.

Just four minutes into the clash, Julian Alvarez found the back of the net before Chelsea's Enzo Fernandez doubled their lead in the 12th minute. Midway through the first half, Brazil were handed a lifeline, when Matheus Cunha scored to bring them within one goal of pulling level.

However, a third for the hosts arrived nine minutes later, with Alexis Mac Allister making it 3-1 before the halft-ime break. Dorival made three changes during the interval, bringing on the likes of Leo Ortiz, Endrick and Joao Gomes, but none of the alterations proved to be effective.

Argentina added their fourth through an exquisite strike from Giuliano Simeone in the 71st minute - the Atletico Madrid forward scoring from a near-impossible angle close to the touchline, leaving Bento powerless as the effort hit the roof of the net.

The result leaves Brazil fourth in the South American World Cup qualifying standings on 21 points through 14 matches played - with their Thursday win over Colombia proving to be a crucial in keeping them on course for automatic qualification.

GOAL rates Brazil's players from the Estadio Mas Monumental...

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    Goalkeeper & Defence

    Bento (5/10):

    Thrown into a tough situation due to Alisson's injury. Not much he could do on any of the goals, but he didn't give anyone confidence with his performance.

    Guilherme Arana (4/10):

    Could not deal with Argentina's width. A rough showing.

    Marquinhos (5/10):

    Captained them to a loss, but never gave up. Had his moments, but it was a showing where his flaws were exposed.

    Murillo (5/10):

    Decent first half, but hooked at half-time as it was obvious Dorival did not like the pairing.

    Wesley (5/10):

    Worked to exhaustion by Argentina's pace and incisive counter-attacks.

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    Midfield

    Joelinton (5/10):

    Really struggled to keep possession and deal with Argentina's press. Removed at half-time.

    Andre (6/10):

    Thrown into the XI after a late cameo last week and he struggled with forward progression. Did make a few decent tackles, though.

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    Attack

    Raphinha (7/10):

    Promising moments throughout the match but the final ball was never quite there. He was the leader in the attack all game, though.

    Vinicius Junior (6/10):

    Some really bright periods on the ball, and his pace on the counter was crucial. But as the match wore on, he was overwhelmed by the immediate press of Argentina.

    Matheus Cunha (7/10):

    Took his goal really well but despite a few positive moments on the counter, he was largely absent.

    Rodrygo (4/10):

    Two poor games during this international window for him. Hooked at half-time.

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    Subs & Manager

    Endrick (5/10):

    Subbed on at half-time, but it was like he wasn't even on the pitch. A complete ghost.

    Leo Ortiz (6/10):

    Subbed on at half-time and never really found his footing. Not an ideal cameo, but not a terrible one, either.

    Joao Gomes (5/10):

    Brought a decent tempo to the middle of the pitch after replacing Joelinton. Lacked the aggression Argentina brought.

    Savinho (N/A):

    Brought on with 20 minutes to spare, but the match was gone by then.

    Ederson (N/A):

    Subbed on in the 84th minute.

    Dorival Junior (3/10):

    Ran out of ideas again. For all the progress the Selecao have made since his appointment, that is the one area where he continues to struggle. He was out-coached by Scaloni, and his full-backs were exposed by the reigning world champions. Add to that a poor attacking performance and it added up to a humiliating loss.