- Brazil sit fourth in CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying after their draw on Thursday
- Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr missed a penalty as Selecao continued to stumble
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Brazil’s quest to snatch a late winner in a World Cup qualifier against Venezuela was incredibly interrupted by sprinklers on Thursday night.
The South American giants chased a decisive effort in the 93rd minute, after seeing Raphinha’s opener cancelled out by Telasco Segovia shortly after half-time.
But as the Barcelona winger swung in a cross deep into stoppage time, sprinklers along the far side of the pitch that Brazil were attacking on the Estadio Monumental de Maturin came on.
Their activation prompted the referee to halt proceedings and kill the Selecao’s momentum in the closing stages of the match.
Brazil’s players and coaches made their anger known to the referee and fourth official, while stars including Chelsea youngster Estevao Willian could be seen trying to stop the flow of water shooting out of the turf.
’93rd minute, 1-1 in a WC Qualifier,’ Spanish football writer Tom Sanderson wrote on X. ‘Brazil about to attack again and Venezuela set off the water sprinklers. South American s***housery of the highest order.’
Chelsea youngster Estevao Willian could be seen trying to stop the flow of water shooting out
Vinicius Jr’s struggles for the national team continued as he missed a series of chances
The visitors were unable to find the elusive goal that would have taken them to within four points of their bitter rivals Argentina in CONMEBOL qualifying despite playing the last few minutes against 10 men following Alexander Gonzalez’ 89th-minute dismissal.
Dorival Junior’s side sit fourth in the standings, where six of the 12 teams advance to the pan-North American tournament in 2026, while the outfit finishing seventh will contest an intercontinental play-off.
Brazil’s position has markedly improved, having beaten the bottom two sides Chile and Peru in their last two outings before Thursday. They could easily have made it three wins on the bounce but Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr missed a series of chances, including a 62nd-minute penalty.
The five-time world champions welcome Uruguay, winless in their last five matches, to the Fonte Nova Arena on Wednesday.
