Brazil overcame an early deficit to win 3-1 against Venezuela on Thursday, maintaining their perfect record in the 2022 World Cup qualifiers. Venezuela had never defeated Brazil in 17 previous World Cup qualifying attempts, but their hopes rose when Eric Ramirez scored early, converting a pass from Yeferson Soteldo after a misstep by Fabinho and Marquinhos at a crucial moment.
However, Brazil equalized when Marquinhos headed in from a corner kick in the 71st minute, before Gabriel Barbosa converted a penalty six minutes from the end, and Antony sealed the victory with a third goal in stoppage time. With Argentina drawing 0-0 in Paraguay, Brazil extended their lead at the top of the South American qualifiers to eight points. The top four teams automatically qualify for next year's World Cup in Qatar, while the fifth-place team will face a playoff against a team from another continent.
The Brazilian team was missing suspended striker Neymar, while Gabriel Jesus made his first start since being sent off in the Copa America quarter-finals against Chile in July. However, the changes made by coach Tite in the second half turned the match in favor of the five-time world champions.
Raphinha, playing his first international match, created space in the Venezuelan defense and delivered the corner that led to Marquinhos' goal, while Vinicius Junior played a significant role in the attack that resulted in Barbosa's penalty. Raphinha also assisted the third goal for substitute Antony just moments before the final whistle.
