SALVADOR: Brazil drew 1-1 with Uruguay in South American qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup on Tuesday after Gerson’s brilliant strike cancelled out Federico Valverde’s opener for the visitors.
Five-times World Cup winners Brazil are fifth in the CONMEBOL standings on 18 points, one point behind Colombia and Ecuador, after picking up their second straight draw.
Uruguay are second on 20 points, five behind leaders Argentina.
The top six will automatically qualify for the World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada.
After a tight first half, Real Madrid midfielder Valverde opened the scoring in the 55th minute when he curled a fine long-range low shot into the far corner.
Gerson brought the hosts level seven minutes later, the Flamengo midfielder scoring his first international goal with a terrific volley after a poor clearance by the Uruguayan defence.
“I’d actually swap my goal for the win,” Gerson told Brazil’s Globo TV. “We knew it was a tough game and we wanted to win. We conceded the goal and got the equaliser.
“We’ll just have to keep working at our clubs and next year when there’s another international break we can go for it. We just have to keep working and trust in our work.”
Brazil pushed for a winner but late efforts from Luis Enrique and Raphinha went wide as boos from home fans at the Arena Fonte Nove rang out at the final whistle.
“I think the booing is more about the result, because in my opinion we gave it all,” Raphinha said. “I’m proud of those who played and even those on the bench.
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.“ Manager Dorival Junior, who took charge in January, said his side had made plenty of progress over the year even if the results do not show it.
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“Even if people don’t want to see it, the work is happening. Unfortunately, the results are overshadowing what’s really going on,” the 62-year-old said. “I have confidence in our path and believe that the results will improve when we need them the most.
“I’ve lived my life that way in the clubs. They trusted, believed, and I always delivered results … with a bit more luck, one more goal would have allowed us to finish the year in second place.
“We are close to achieving the results, but we need to be patient and find the ideal team, one that will inspire more confidence in the fans.”
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