Brazil had to settle for a 1-1 draw at Venezuela after a quick-fire second-half strike by substitute Telasco Segovia canceled out Raphinha‘s opener for the dominant visitors in the South American World Cup qualifiers on Thursday.
Vinicius Junior missed a chance to win the game with a penalty and missed the subsequent rebound after the keeper parried it back into his path.
The high-paced match saw numerous chances from both sides who registered 11 goal attempts each, with Brazil enjoying over 60% of possession.
Raphinha gave Brazil the lead, netting a fine left-footed strike from a free kick in the 43rd minute. But Segovia stroke an unstoppable first-effort shot from the edge of the box 38 seconds into the second half to level the game.
Venezuela goalkeeper Rafael Romo stopped Vinicius’ poorly taken spot kick in the 62nd minute and Venezuela held on against Brazil’s late press for a winner, with substitute Alexander Gonzalez sent off for lightly brushing both Gabriel Martinelli and Vinicius in the face in successive plays in the 89th minute.
Five-time World Cup champions Brazil are third in the standings on 17 points, five from leaders Argentina, who play later on Thursday. Venezuela are seventh on 12 points.
The top six sides are guaranteed a berth at the 2026 World Cup hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
