Brazil 3-0 Argentina RECAP: How the Selecao claimed an easy win in the crucial World Cup qualifier

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Match Report:

What’s better than a win over your biggest rivals? One that leaves them in real danger of failing to reach the next World Cup, that’s what.

A reborn Brazil side won Thursday night’s Superclássico das Américas in commanding style, condemning Argentina to a defeat that leaves them SIXTH in the qualifying group, fully eight points behind their hosts.

Philippe Coutinho got the ball rolling for the Seleção with a trademark rocket from range, before Neymar gave his side breathing space before half-time.

Former Tottenham man Paulinho then added a deflected third, handing Brazil coach Tite his fifth win since taking over from Dunga earlier this year.

Coutinho and Neymar celebrate the former's opening goal

For some time, the attacking midfielder seemed unable to translate his ability into consistent performances at international level. Coutinho came and went from the squad and struggled to hold down a starting spot, niggling injuries and dips in form disrupting his progress.

Now, though, he looks to have found his rhythm: since coming into the side against Bolivia, he has provided the kind of spark and cutting edge to which Liverpool fans have become well accustomed over the last few seasons.

His strike midway through the first half was a fine distillation of his best qualities: the fleet of foot to find a pocket of space, the willingness to take responsibility and shoot, the impeccable technique.

That's now five goals in seven games in a yellow jersey – proof that he is becoming a force to reckon with at this level.

Argentina in trouble

Messi couldn't save his side from a collapse in Belo Horizonte

It wasn't too long ago that the Albiceleste topped the CONMEBOL group, with Brazil down in sixth. The tables have turned completely in the last few months, however: it's now the Seleção sitting pretty at the summit while Argentina sweat over their qualification hopes.

The visitors came into this game on a run of three games without a win, hoping that the return of Lionel Messi – who missed all of those matches – would be the catalyst for an upturn in fortunes.

	P	W	D	L	Pts
Q	Brazil	11	7	3	1	24
Q	Uruguay	11	7	2	2	23
Q	Colombia	11	5	3	3	18
Q	Ecuador	11	5	2	4	17
PO	Chile	11	5	2	4	17
	Argentina	11	4	4	3	16
	Paraguay	11	4	3	4	15
	Peru	11	4	2	5	14
	Venezuela	11	1	2	8	5
	Bolivia	11	1	1	9	4