Brazil deepen the crisis, Lautaro's beauty wins it for Argentina

Had it not been for the expansion of the FIFA World Cup - and 48 participants instead of the 32 we were used to - Brazil would have been on the verge of missing the renowned tournament for the first time in their history! This way, their chances are still more than fair despite yet another disappointing result - a 1-1 draw against Uruguay in front of 60,000 people at Estadio Fonte Nova.

Yet, the Brazilians should be satisfied even with a snatched point, given that they were behind, thanks to Federico Valverde's 55-th minute opener. Flamengo's midfielder Gerson levelled the score seven minutes later, but Dorival Junior's crew failed to beat the great rivals for the third consecutive time.

The Selecao's crisis is getting deeper and deeper, especially considering their long spell of poor results at major tournaments. Hence, no wonder the players were booed after another failure. Still, thanks to the aforementioned extension, Brazil still have fair chances to qualify, sitting five points ahead of seventh-placed Bolivia, which hold the play-off spot. Uruguay welcomed Colombia's second defeat in a row and took over the second position.

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Farther south of Brazil, in Buenos Aires, at legendary La Bombonera, 57,000 people saw Argentina's return to winning track, beating Peru 1-0. The crowd also testified to Lautaro Martinez's screamer worth of the FIFA Puskas Award and Lionel Messi's (another) record-breaking performance.

The Peruvians held out bravely until the 55th minute when Inter Milan and Inter Miami's captains combined for the winner. Messi sent an ideal cross, and Lautaro found the net with a first-touch volley beauty. This way, Martinez netted in his second consecutive game with the national team, while Leo broke another record. Namely, he noted his 58th assist for Argentina and became the player with the most assists in men's international football history, joint with the American Landon Donovan.

This victory and Colombia's aforementioned loss to Ecuador at home secured La Albiceleste a safe distance of five points ahead of the first followers - Uruguay. World Cup qualification is within the Argentinians' reach, as they'll undoubtedly be one of the first countries to book the ticket for the USA, Mexico, and Canada.

WORLD CUP QUALIFIERS - CONMEBOL

Tuesday

Bolivia - Paraguay 2-2 (1-0)

/Vaca Moreno 15, Miguelito 80 pen - Almiron 71, Enciso 90+1/

Wednesday

Colombia - Ecuador 0-1 (0-1)

/Valencia 7/

Argentina - Peru 1-0 (0-0)

/Martinez 55/

Chile - Venezuela 4-2 (3-2)

/Vargas 20, Rincon 29 og, Cepeda 38, 47 - Savarino 13, Ramirez R. 22/

Brazil - Uruguay 1-1 (0-0)

/Gerson 62 - Valverde 55/