Brazil suffered a setback in the race for one of the six direct South American World Cup spots. The Seleção could only manage a draw against Venezuela (1-1), partly due to a missed penalty by Vinícius Júnior.
Brazil’s recent World Cup qualifier against Venezuela ended in a disappointing 1-1 draw, underscoring the struggles the Seleção has faced during this campaign.
Known for their dominance in South American qualifiers, Brazil’s performances this time have been inconsistent, and this latest result highlights the team’s ongoing challenges. Missing key players and failing to convert critical chances, Brazil has left itself with much work to do in the coming months.
One of the biggest absences was Neymar, who has been sidelined with a hamstring injury. Neymar’s recovery from an ACL injury had been progressing well, but this latest setback kept him out of the squad once again. Even if fit, head coach Dorival Júnior had hinted that he might not have selected the veteran just yet, as he aims to manage Neymar’s return carefully to avoid further complications. Neymar's absence was keenly felt, as the Brazilian playmaker’s creativity and experience often make the difference in tight matches. Without him, Brazil had to look to other stars, such as Vinícius Júnior and Raphinha, to fill the void.
Endrick, another highly anticipated talent, was also left out of the squad. The young Real Madrid forward has shown flashes of brilliance but has struggled for consistent game time at his club. Dorival Júnior mentioned that Endrick’s current form and lack of minutes were factors in his exclusion. The coach emphasized that while Endrick has a bright future, he needs more consistent performances and experience before taking on the responsibility at the senior international level.
The match against Venezuela started with high expectations, as Brazil aimed to secure a comfortable victory and strengthen their position in the qualification standings. However, it quickly became apparent that the game would be far from easy. Venezuela, traditionally seen as one of the weaker sides in South America, has been improving and approached the match with confidence. They defended compactly, pressed effectively, and frustrated Brazil’s attackers throughout the first half.
Raphinha, currently enjoying a stellar season with Barcelona, was one of the few bright spots for Brazil in the first half. His energy and creativity down the wing posed a constant threat to the Venezuelan defense. Raphinha had the first major breakthrough of the game when he lined up for a free kick just outside the box. The strike was perfectly placed, curling in off the inside of the post. His celebration, imitating Neymar’s signature move, was seen as a tribute to his teammate, signaling solidarity with the injured star.
Despite taking the lead, Brazil struggled to maintain control of the match. Venezuela made tactical changes at halftime, bringing on Telasco Segovia, who made an immediate impact. Within seconds of coming onto the pitch, Segovia found himself in a dangerous position and calmly slotted the ball past the Brazilian goalkeeper. The equalizer stunned the Brazilian fans and shifted the momentum entirely. Suddenly, it was Venezuela who looked more likely to score the next goal, as Brazil’s defense appeared disorganized and vulnerable.
Brazil had a golden opportunity to regain the lead when Vinícius Júnior was fouled inside the box, earning a penalty just past the hour mark. Vinícius, who has become one of the standout players for Real Madrid, stepped up to take the spot-kick himself. However, his attempt lacked conviction, and the Venezuelan goalkeeper guessed correctly, diving to make the save. The missed penalty was a turning point, as it seemed to sap the confidence out of the Brazilian side. Vinícius’s expression after the miss told the story frustration and disbelief, as he knew how crucial that moment was.
The final stages of the match were filled with tension, particularly after Venezuela was reduced to ten men following a red card for Alexander Gonzales. With a numerical advantage, Brazil pushed forward in search of a winner, but their efforts were disjointed and lacked the precision needed to break down a resilient Venezuelan defense. The visitors held firm, securing a valuable point and leaving Brazil with more questions than answers.
The result puts Brazil in a precarious position as they look ahead to a tough set of fixtures. Upcoming matches include clashes against Uruguay and Colombia at home, followed by challenging away games against Argentina and Ecuador. These are four of the toughest opponents in the South American qualification campaign, and Brazil will need to find solutions quickly if they hope to avoid slipping further down the standings. The pressure is mounting on Dorival Júnior, as fans and pundits alike question his tactical decisions and squad selections.
Dorival Júnior defended his choices in the post-match press conference, acknowledging the team’s struggles but expressing confidence in his players’ ability to bounce back. “We are missing key players, and we’re in a transitional phase,” he noted. “Neymar’s absence is significant, but we can’t rely on one player. We need everyone to step up.” He also defended the decision to let Vinícius take the penalty, citing the player’s recent form and confidence. “Vinícius has been one of our best performers. Penalties are part of the game; sometimes they go in, and sometimes they don’t. We trust him.”
However, critics have pointed out that Brazil’s issues go beyond the absence of Neymar. The team has looked disjointed in recent matches, lacking the fluid attacking play that has been a hallmark of Brazilian football. The midfield, in particular, has struggled to link up with the forwards, leaving players like Vinícius and Raphinha isolated at times. Additionally, defensive lapses have cost the team crucial points, as seen in the quick equalizer conceded against Venezuela.
As Brazil prepares for the next round of qualifiers, there is a sense of urgency within the camp. The team cannot afford to drop more points, especially against top-tier South American rivals. The upcoming fixtures will be a true test of the squad’s resilience and Dorival Júnior’s tactical acumen. With a tough road ahead, the Seleção must find a way to regain their form and prove why they are historically one of the strongest teams in World Cup qualification.
