Que isso Almada! Messi brilla con dos goles en la despedida en casa en Argentina contra Venezuela para la Copa del Mundo

In a vibrant Maracanã, Brazil faces Chile in the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers on Thursday, September 4, 2025, at 9:30 PM, leading 1-0 at the 38-minute mark of the first half, thanks to a stunning goal by Estêvão. The young attacking talent scored at 37 minutes in a collective play involving João Pedro, Douglas Santos, and Raphinha, culminating in a volleyed finish in the box. The Brazilian National Team dominates possession and offensive actions, while Chile, pinned back, attempts sporadic reactions without success so far. The match, under the guidance of coach Carlo Ancelotti, reinforces Brazil’s push to solidify their performance in the Qualifiers after strong showings against Paraguay. The game, marking Marquinhos’ 100th appearance for the Seleção, is ongoing, with Brazil pressing for more goals.

The stands are packed with fans, creating an electrifying atmosphere for the match. Brazil, returning to Maracanã after nearly two years, aims to erase the memory of a 1-0 loss to Argentina in 2023 and maintain their momentum in the competition.

• Brazilian dominance: 74% possession compared to Chile’s 26%.
• Shots: Brazil has six attempts, while Chile has none.
• Constant pressure: The Seleção creates chances but is thwarted by Chile’s defense and goalkeeper Vigouroux.

Brazilian attack in the spotlight

Brazil started the match with intensity, setting the pace from the opening whistle. Carlo Ancelotti’s lineup, featuring a 4-2-4 formation, placed Estêvão and Raphinha as key figures on the wings, with João Pedro and Gabriel Martinelli completing the attacking quartet. At 37 minutes, the goal came from a precise passing sequence: João Pedro played to Douglas Santos, who found Raphinha in the box; after a save by Vigouroux, Estêvão capitalized on the rebound and scored with a skillful volley. The play showcased the technical quality and speed of Brazil’s attack, which has consistently troubled Chile’s defense, organized in a 3-4-3 under Nicolás Córdova.

Brazil’s pressure wasn’t limited to the goal. Gabriel Magalhães nearly opened the scoring at 2 minutes with a header from a Raphinha corner, only to be denied by a great save from Vigouroux. Casemiro also had a goal disallowed for offside at 4 minutes, confirmed by VAR, sparking complaints from the Maracanã crowd. The Seleção maintains possession and probes for gaps in Chile’s compact defense, which relies on rare counterattacks.

Key moments timeline

The match has been marked by moments of Brazilian dominance, with plays showcasing the Seleção’s superiority up to the 38th minute of the first half. Below are the main moments:

• 2’: Gabriel Magalhães heads a Raphinha corner, but Vigouroux makes a great save.
• 4’: Casemiro scores with a header, but the goal is disallowed for offside, confirmed by VAR.
• 15’: Estêvão attempts a shot in the box, is blocked, and Raphinha, on the rebound, is stopped by Chile’s defense.
• 23’: Chile’s Brereton Díaz gets a chance against Alisson, but the play is ruled offside.
• 37’: Estêvão scores a golazo with a volley after a collective move involving João Pedro, Douglas Santos, and Raphinha.

Chile pinned back and unresponsive

Chile, lined up in a defensive setup with three center-backs, has struggled to get out of their defensive half. So far, Nicolás Córdova’s team has failed to register a shot, while Brazil has six attempts. Chile’s only chance came at 23 minutes when Brereton Díaz dribbled past Alisson, but the play was invalidated for offside. With just 26% possession, Chile struggles to build plays, relying on long balls that are easily neutralized by Brazil’s defense, led by Marquinhos and Gabriel Magalhães.

Coach Córdova appears to be seeking tactical adjustments for the remainder of the first half, with Loyola and Vicente Pizarro trying to organize the midfield. However, Brazil’s pressure, driven by Bruno Guimarães and Casemiro, has stifled any attempts at a comeback. The Chilean fans, present in smaller numbers at Maracanã, try to rally their team, but Brazil’s dominance is clear.

Marquinhos and Alisson: historic milestones

The match holds special significance for two Brazilian players. Marquinhos, the Seleção’s captain, reaches 100 appearances with the green and yellow jersey, joining an elite list of players who have hit this mark. The center-back, a cornerstone of Ancelotti’s system, leads the defense with poise and experience. Meanwhile, Alisson, the starting goalkeeper, aims to solidify his status as the Seleção’s goalkeeper with the most clean sheets in the century, closing in on Taffarel’s historic records.

• Marquinhos: 100 matches, untouchable status, and leadership on the pitch.
• Alisson: Reliable, with a standout moment in denying Brereton Díaz.
• Solid defense: Brazil has faced no valid shots up to the 38th minute.

Festive atmosphere at Maracanã

The Seleção’s return to Maracanã after nearly two years has brought a festive vibe to the stands. The Brazilian crowd, filling the stadium, chants nonstop, turning the match into a spectacle. Before the opening whistle, the ge tv broadcast opening with Regina Casé and the presence of Ivete Sangalo energized the fans. The national anthem, followed by Sofia Miranda’s interview with an Éder Militão lookalike, added a lighthearted touch to the pre-game.

The match broadcast, with Luis Roberto narrating on TV Globo and Jorge Iggor on ge tv, underscores the game’s importance for the Qualifiers. Brazil, already qualified for the 2026 World Cup, seeks to cement their position in the standings, where they sit 4th with 26 points, while Chile, 10th with 11 points, fights to climb the table.

Tactical strategies on the pitch

Ancelotti’s Brazil bets on an offensive approach, with Wesley and Douglas Santos pushing forward on the flanks and Raphinha and Estêvão wide to create fast-paced plays. The midfield, anchored by Casemiro and Bruno Guimarães, provides balance, allowing the team to maintain possession and press without losing defensive solidity. Chile, on the other hand, adopts a cautious stance with three center-backs and a crowded midfield but struggles with a lack of creativity to escape Brazil’s pressure.

• Brazil: Vertical play, quick passes, and high pressing.
• Chile: Compact defense but ineffective ball progression.
• Key to the game: Estêvão and Raphinha exploit the wings against Chile’s slow defense.

Moments of tension and controversy

The match hasn’t been without tense moments. At 17 minutes, João Pedro caused concern among fans after collapsing in the box following a collision with Martinelli, receiving medical attention and even vomiting on the pitch. The forward, however, returned to play without major issues. Another notable moment was the disallowed goal by Casemiro at 4 minutes, which sparked controversy among fans, though VAR confirmed the offside call. The refereeing, led by Venezuela’s Alexis Herrera, has kept the game under control, with few fouls called so far.

Brazil continues to push for a bigger lead, while Chile tries to reorganize to avoid a heavier defeat at Maracanã. The match, still ongoing, promises more excitement for the rest of the first half.