Brazil vs. Chile, World Cup Qualifiers: Final Score 3-0, Gabriel Jesus scores as Brazil win again

Brazil finished their World Cup Qualifying campaign with a dominant 3-0 win over Chile on Tuesday night, and Manchester City superstar Gabriel Jesus was once again on the scoresheet. The two City goalkeepers Éderson Moraes and Claudio Bravo also started this one, and Fernandinho came on as a substitute in the second half.

FIRST HALF

The first half featured a very physical encounter between the two sides, with hard fouls and yellow cards from both teams. Brazil were the team trying to play football and had most of the possession but were very slow in their buildup, and the only real danger came through the left side with Neymar and Alex Sandro.

Gabriel Jesus was involved in the two best chances of the half, first with a perfect pass to put Neymar through on goal and then with a wide open header inside the box. In both instances, Claudio Bravo came up big for Chile with two huge saves to keep his team alive.

At halftime, a very physical affair lacking quality had no goals, and deservedly so.

SECOND HALF

We finally had quality in the second half, and it came from the team with the best players. With a change in formation and Philippe Coutinho more involved in the attack, Brazil completely dominated the final period and scored two quick goals to secure the win.

In the 55th minute, Claudio Bravo could not control a free-kick from Dani Alves and parried the ball straight to Paulinho, who put Brazil ahead with an easy finish; two minutes later, Neymar was through on goal but was unselfish and set up Gabriel Jesus, who had time to take a touch before beating Bravo and scoring Brazil’s second. Jesus scored again in the last minute, adding the final touch to Brazil’s win.

Brazil ended a sensational qualification campaign with 41 points in 18 matches, and they’ll go to Russia as one of the biggest favorites for the title.

Brazil: Éderson; Alves, Marquinhos, Miranda, Sandro; Paulinho, Casemiro, Augusto (Fernandinho); Coutinho (Firmino), Jesus, Neymar (Willian)

Goals: Paulinho (55’), Gabriel Jesus (57’, 90’ +3)

Chile: Bravo; Isla, Medel, Jara, Beausejour; Fuenzalida (Puch), Aránguiz (Pulgar), Hernández (Paredes); Valdívia; Vargas, Alexis

Goals: None