Sao Paulo: Roberto Firmino scored twice as Brazil thrashed Bolivia 5-0 in their first game of the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifier on Saturday (October 10). At the Corinthians Arena, Tite’s men dominated the game and made a statement to the world showing promise again to be the best team around the globe.
Brazil was ready to face the challenge from Bolivia, as the team has always been a surprise package in South American football. No doubt Brazil were the favorites before the clash and they played like one. The game started with a bang, as it took 16 minutes for the Selecao to take the lead with Marquinhos opening the scoring from a Danilo assist.
Firmino scored his first on 30 minutes from a Renan Lodi assist before tripling the lead and his second in the fourth minute of the second half. Brazil added their fourth in the 66th minute from an own goal by Jose Carrasco. The final nail in the coffin was pinned by Philippe Coutinho. There could have been more goals for Brazil. With 20 shots throughout the game on which nine on target and with 70 per cent ball possession, Brazil showed their lethal strength in the football pitch.
Brazil has never lost a World Cup qualifier game at home as in the last 55 games. They have won 43 and drew 12 games that show their dominance in their country. Neymar had a good game, maybe be he didn’t score but has assisted twice and showed how important he can be as a player.
Coutinho is having the best period of his career. He has carried his scoring shoes from Catalonia to Sao Paulo. He has found himself back in the game after a bad 2018-19 season. The loan to Bayern Munich last season has changed his course of the game. It’s always good to see a good player performing well on the pitch. Firmino has got his confidence back after scoring twice on Saturday, as last time when he played, his club Liverpool got thumped by Aston Villa, seven goals to two.
David Luiz got his share of opportunity to play for the national side after a long time. A start that fans and Tite wanted from their boys and hope they carry it forward in the next game against Peru on October 14. In another qualifier, Columbia won 3-0 against a Venezuela side and ended their seven-match away game unbeaten streak.
