Vinicius Jr and Co fume as Brazil’s stoppage-time attack is halted after SPRINKLERS go off, with the South American giants chasing a late winner against Venezuela
- Brazil are 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 search for a late winner in a World Cup qualifier against Venezuela was incredibly interrupted by sprinklers on Thursday evening.
The South American giants chased down a decisive effort in the 93rd minute after seeing Raphinha’s opener canceled out by Telasco Segovia shortly after half-time.
But when the Barcelona winger sent in a cross deep into stoppage time, the sprinklers came on at the other end of the pitch where Brazil were attacking at the Estadio Monumental de Maturin.
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 tried to prevent water from shooting out of the grass.
“93rd minute, 1-1 in a World Cup qualifier,” wrote Spanish football writer Tom Sanderson on South American s***housery of the highest order.’
Chelsea youngster Estevao Willian could be seen trying to stop the flow of water
The Struggle of Vinicius Jr. for the national team continued as he missed a series of chances
The visitors could not find the elusive goal that would have brought them within four points of bitter rivals Argentina in CONMEBOL qualifying despite playing against ten men in the final minutes following Alexander Gonzalez’s 89th-minute dismissal.
Dorival Junior’s squad sits fourth in the standings, with six of the 12 teams advancing to the pan-North American tournament in 2026, while the team finishing seventh will contest an intercontinental play-off.
Brazil’s position has improved significantly after beating bottom two sides Chile and Peru in the last two matches before Thursday. They could easily have made it three wins, but Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr missed a series of chances, including a penalty in the 62nd minute.
The five-time world champion welcomes Uruguay, which was winless in the last five matches, to the Fonte Nova Arena on Wednesday.
