Brazil's Vinicius Junior, right, and his teammates argue with Venezuelan players during a FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifying soccer match at Monumental stadium in Maturin, Venezuela.
VEN Vs BRA: Vinicius Jr Fails To Inspire Selecao
Vinicius Júnior is still without a goal in six matches of World Cup qualifying. He had the chance to score a potential winner after he earned the penalty in the 67th minute but his low spot kick was saved by goalkeeper Rafael Romo and the Brazil forward then shot wide from the rebound. Brazil had the best chances in the first half, with Vinicius hitting the post once after dribbling three Venezuelans and shooting from the edge of the box. But it was Raphinha who opened the scoring from a free kick in the 43rd minute. Venezuela brought on 21-year-old Telasco Segovia at halftime and the substitution had an immediate effect as he equalized in the 46th minute with a powerful shot from the edge of the box. Venezuela went down to 10 men in the 89th minute after Alexander Gonzalez was sent off for hitting both Gabriel Martinelli and Vinicius Júnior in the face.
FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers: Brazil's Vinicius Junior, right, and Venezuela's Telasco Segovia battle for the ball | Photo: AP/Ariana Cubillos
Brazil's Vinicius Junior, right, and Venezuela's Telasco Segovia battle for the ball during a FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifying soccer match at Monumental stadium in Maturin, Venezuela.
FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers: Brazil's Gabriel Martinelli, right, is fouled by Venezuela's Alexander Gonzalez | Photo: AP/Ariana Cubillos
Brazil's Gabriel Martinelli, right, is fouled by Venezuela's Alexander Gonzalez during a FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifying soccer match at Monumental stadium in Maturin, Venezuela.
FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers: Brazil's Igor Jesus, left, is challenged by Venezuela's Jefferson Savarino | Photo: AP/Ariana Cubillos
Brazil's Igor Jesus, left, is challenged by Venezuela's Jefferson Savarino during a FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifying soccer match at Monumental stadium in Maturin, Venezuela.
FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers: Venezuela's Telasco Segovia, right, celebrates after scoring his side's first goal | Photo: AP/Ariana Cubillos
Venezuela's Telasco Segovia, right, celebrates after scoring his side's first goal against Brazil during a FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifying soccer match at Monumental stadium in Maturin, Venezuela.
FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers: Venezuela's Telasco Segovia celebrates after scoring his side's first goal | Photo: AP/Ariana Cubillos
Venezuela's Telasco Segovia, right, celebrates with teammates after scoring his side's first goal against Brazil during a FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifying soccer match at Monumental stadium in Maturin, Venezuela.
FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers: Venezuela's Salomon Rondon, front, and Brazil's Gabriel Magalhaes battle for the ball | Photo: AP/Ariana Cubillos
Venezuela's Salomon Rondon, front, and Brazil's Gabriel Magalhaes battle for the ball during a FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifying soccer match at Monumental stadium in Maturin, Venezuela.
FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers: Brazil's Raphinha, center, celebrates with teammates after scoring his side's opening goal | Photo: AP/Ariana Cubillos
Brazil's Raphinha, center, celebrates with teammates after scoring his side's opening goal against Venezuela during a FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifying soccer match at Monumental stadium in Maturin, Venezuela.
FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers: Brazil's Vinicius Junior jumps over Venezuela's goalkeeper Rafael Romo | Photo: AP/Ariana Cubillos
Brazil's Vinicius Junior jumps over Venezuela's goalkeeper Rafael Romo in an attempt to score during a FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifying soccer match at Monumental stadium in Maturin, Venezuela.
FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers: Venezuela's Wilker Angel eyes the ball challenged by Brazil's Igor Jesus | Photo: AP/Ariana Cubillos
Venezuela's Wilker Angel eyes the ball challenged by Brazil's Igor Jesus during a FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifying soccer match at Monumental stadium in Maturin, Venezuela.
Show comments