Argentina draw with Brazil to remain winless in World Cup qualifying

Updated: Oct 17, 2023, 08:56 pm

Argentina and Brazil took a point each from their rearranged World Cup qualifier on Friday night as it finished 1-1 in Buenos Aires.

The match, which had been postponed for 24 hours after torrential rain on Thursday, first swung Argentina's way as Ezequiel Lavezzi put the hosts ahead in the 33rd minute, but Lucas Lima levelled for Brazil just before the hour mark.

Brazil were playing for a draw by the closing moments, having had David Luiz sent off for a second yellow card with two minutes to go.

Argentina, still without a win after three qualifiers, started the night with clear attacking intent as Gonzalo Higuain and Angel Di Maria went close in the opening moments.

Brazil slowly improved but were lacking creativity, and Argentina snatched the lead in the 33rd minute as a sublime pass from Di Maria picked out Higuain who crossed for Lavezzi to tap home.

Brazil barely managed a shot in the first half, with a David Luiz header which went wide four minutes before the break their best chance.

Lucas Lima Brazil
Lucas Lima Brazil
Getty Images

Argentina almost doubled their advantage immediately after half-time as Ever Banega's shot struck a post in the opening moments of the second half.

But Brazil had got the message and Neymar's curling shot in the 53rd minute should have been a warning for Argentina.

Five minutes later, Brazil were level as Douglas Costa -- just on as a substitute -- saw his header hit the crossbar before Lima swept home the rebound.

Brazil were on top now, and Willian went close to a superb solo effort as he shook off two defenders only to see his shot deflected.

The final moments were tense and tetchy, with David Luiz's red following a tackle on Lucas Biglia doing nothing to calm tempers, but Brazil's switch to a defensive approach was enough for them to take a point.

The result does little to ignite either team's stuttering qualifying campaign so far. Brazil, who have four points from three matches, host Peru on Nov. 17 while Argentina will head to Colombia seeking their first win.