Xtra Time Web Desk: Copa America champions Brazil registered a 1-0 win against Venezuela in the FIFA World Cup qualifiers on Friday night at Sao Paolo. Roberto Firmino scored the winner for the Latin American giants in the 67th minute of the match. The hosts entered the match with a squad weakened by injuries as Tite was forced to field a team that didn’t include Neymar, Philippe Coutinho, Fabinho and others, and their absences were noticeable with a lack of cohesion in the final third.
The first half saw Brazil dominate the ball, look like more of the threat but just lacked sharpness when it mattered most. The hosts took the all important lead in the 67th minute of the match. A cross from the right wing went towards the far post where Venezuelan winger Darwin Machis, pinned deep defending in his own half, headed it poorly, knocking it right to the six-yard box where Firmino put it away with no trouble.
The win takes Brazil atop the table in qualifying with nine points and are well on their way to qualifying for the 2022 World Cup, keeping intact their perfect record as the only team to qualify for every single World Cup.