The Brazilian national team wrapped up 2024 with a 1-1 draw against Uruguay on Tuesday at Arena Fonte Nova in Salvador during the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers.
Valverde and Gerson scored the goals, both spectacular efforts. Uruguay took an early lead, and Brazil had to respond.
Ahead of the match, coach Dorival voiced his displeasure with the team's performances. Unfortunately, the game did little to change his sentiment.
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Brazil could have finished 2024 in second place in the World Cup qualifiers, but the draw against Uruguay left the team in fifth. When Dorival took over earlier this year, the team was in sixth place in the standings. During this November FIFA window, Brazil registered two draws, with the previous one against Venezuela.
Unsurprisingly, the fans booed the team immediately after the final whistle in Salvador, and the stadium wasn’t full.
The next round of matches will only be in March 2025. The first FIFA window of the year will feature games against Colombia at home and Argentina away.
First-half details:
Brazil had more possession in the first half (63%, according to Footstats). Uruguay did not apply the same high pressure as they did in the match in Montevideo last year. They chose to close spaces and allow Gabriel Magalhães more freedom in ball distribution.
VinÃcius Júnior had a different role, playing more centrally in attack with fewer defensive responsibilities. Although he could have frequently faced Flamengo’s right-back, Varela, he ended up engaging with other markers in central areas.
Raphinha had to work hard both in defensive recovery and attack creation. Running a lot, he was the most decisive player for Brazil, contributing to their key offensive moves.
Igor Jesus was mostly invisible, but his header late in the first half was the clearest opportunity for Brazil.
Defensively, Brazil had a few scares on the right side. Danilo, who returned as a starter and captain, did not support much in attack and had to deal with some incursions from Maxi Araújo.
In one of Uruguay's rare attempts, Brazil got lucky when Pellistri hesitated in the area, tried an extra dribble, and missed a golden opportunity.
Bielsa’s Substitution:
The first substitution by Uruguay’s coach Marcelo Bielsa was to replace center-forward Darwin Núñez at halftime. He brought on Rodrigo Aguirre, a former Botafogo player, who had scored in Uruguay's dramatic comeback against Colombia. Although the change wasn’t directly related to Núñez’s performance, the match became more open and improved for Uruguay.
The midfield played a decisive role in the match.