Two midfielders scored to secure a 1-1 draw between the two South American giants.
In an intense battle towards the end, neither team could clinch victory. A match filled with missed opportunities ended in a stalemate. The World Cup qualifier saw the two former champions, Brazil and Uruguay, share points.
The thrilling clash concluded 1-1 on Wednesday morning Bangladesh time.
Uruguay took the lead in the second half through a goal by Federico Valverde, but shortly after, Brazil equalized with a strike from Joelinton.
The scoreline reflected parity, but Brazil dominated in other aspects on home soil. Under Diniz’s guidance, Brazil controlled nearly 62% of possession and attempted 18 shots, though only three were on target.
Uruguay, focused on defense, managed eight shots, two of which were on target. Despite receiving the ball several times in the box, Marcelo Bielsa’s team squandered opportunities with weak shots.
Brazil got the first chance of the game when Real Madrid’s Vinícius Júnior took a shot from a tight angle in the third minute but couldn’t find the target.
In the 21st minute, Uruguay’s young forward Facundo Pellistri missed a golden chance after receiving the ball in the box but failed to take a proper shot.
At the 35th minute, Raphinha’s shot from outside the box narrowly missed the far post. Five minutes later, Valverde’s sudden long-range effort also missed the target.
Brazil nearly scored in the second minute of added time when Igor Jesus’ header from a Raphinha corner was denied by Uruguay’s goalkeeper. It was the first shot on target from either team!
Early in the second half, Brazil’s Savinho had a chance but failed to keep his shot on target. Raphinha’s incisive pass also presented an opportunity for Vinícius, but his shot zipped past the far post.
Uruguay shocked the hosts in the 55th minute when Valverde’s powerful long-range strike found the net.
Seven minutes later, Brazil equalized with a brilliant long-range goal from Joelinton. Rodrigo Bentancur’s header failed to clear Raphinha’s cross, and Joelinton’s thunderous volley found the back of the net.
Brazil almost took the lead in the 64th minute when substitute Gabriel Martinelli unleashed a bullet shot, but Sergio Rochet saved it. Four minutes later, Uruguay’s Rodrigo Agirre squandered a great chance to put his team ahead, failing to take a proper shot from a dangerous position.
In the 77th minute, Agirre again missed a chance, but his shot was heading for the goal before Ederson made a diving save. Four minutes later, Raphinha’s long-range shot narrowly missed the crossbar.
In the first minute of added time, Brazil captain Danilo missed a crucial opportunity as he failed to keep his shot on target.
After back-to-back wins hinted at a resurgence, Brazil’s two consecutive draws now push them down to fifth place. With five wins and three draws from 12 matches, the five-time champions have 18 points.
Uruguay, with five wins and five draws, sit second with 20 points.
Argentina, returning to winning ways with a 1-0 victory over Peru, lead the table with 25 points. Just two more wins will secure their spot in the next World Cup.
Ecuador climbed to third, defeating Colombia 1-0. Both teams have 19 points, but Colombia, having lost three of their last four matches, are now fourth due to goal difference.