🌎 Ecuador earn huge point v Brazil, Argentina hold off Chile | OneFootball

Argentina and Brazil were both in World Cup qualifying action on Thursday.

Here’s what happened.

Ecuador rescues golden point to boost World Cup qualifying hopes

Scorers: Torres 75′; Casemiro 6′

With a second-half header from Félix Torres, Ecuador earned a pivotal 1-1 home draw against already-qualified Brazil to go to 24 points and boost their Qatar chances.

Ecuador very well could have handed Brazil their first qualifying defeat but VAR came to the rescue on multiple occasions to spare Alisson and Brazil.

Despite Casemiro’s opening goal in the sixth minute and goalkeeper Alexander Domínguez being sent off in the 15th minute due to a reckless karate kick, La Tri managed to scratch and claw themselves back into the match.

Emerson Royal would be sent off for a second yellow just 20 minutes in to put the match on level footing, allowing Ecuador to stay in the game and eventually find a late equaliser.

Ecuador were awarded a penalty in stoppage time but after a lengthy VAR dispute, the referee decided to reverse his decision as Alisson managed to reach the ball before striking Ayrton Preciado in the head.

Brazil are now unbeaten in 31 consecutive Conmebol World Cup qualifiers, which equals the previous record also held by Brazil. Their last qualifying defeat came against Chile in 2015.

Both sides will be back in action on February 1st as Brazil host Paraguay while Ecuador travel to face Peru.

Chile drop big points as Argentina remain unbeaten with 2-1 win

Scorers: Brereton Díaz 20′; Di María 9′, L. Martínez 34′

Needing a victory to move into the qualifying places, Chile were unable to earn a result at home on Thursday night, losing 2-1 against an already-qualified Argentina side.

Lautaro Martínez and Ángel Di María scored for the visitors as Argentina extended their incredible unbeaten run to 28 games.

Despite the absence of Lionel Messi and strong reactions from a desperate Chilean side and their 8,000 fans, Argentina were able to maintain the illusion that they are, in fact, good enough to potentially lift the trophy in Qatar in December.

Although Chile suffered defeat, soon-to-be free-agent striker Ben Brereton Díaz scored his fourth goal in just his 10th-career match up top for La Roja.

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