Skip to main content

Uruguay 1 Brazil 4: Paulinho scores hat-trick as visitors close in on qualification

Paulinho scored an unlikely hat-trick and Neymar starred as Brazil extended their winning run and lead atop the World Cup qualifying standings with a 4-1 victory over Uruguay.

In Thursday's top-of-the-table clash in Montevideo, Brazil came out on top in style thanks to a hat-trick from former Tottenham midfielder Paulinho and Neymar's delicious lob.

Neymar's touch of class 16 minutes from time made it 3-1 and Paulinho sealed the points in stoppage time with his third as Brazil snapped Uruguay's 14-match unbeaten record at home in World Cup qualifiers - dating back to 2009 - while making it eight wins in a row under head coach Tite.

Both Uruguay and Brazil were without their leading forwards for the blockbuster reverse fixture at Estadio Centenario, following last year's 2-2 draw in Recife.

Uruguay's all-time top goalscorer Luis Suarez missed the match through suspension as Cavani led the line for the hosts with the support of Diego Rolan. Experienced goalkeeper Fernando Muslera was also banned and replaced by Martin Silva.

In a somewhat troublesome position for Brazil in recent years, the South American giants were without the services of injured 19-year-old star Gabriel Jesus. While not a like-for-like replacement, Roberto Firmino started up top amid the team's run of six successive qualifying wins.

Neymar was lively throughout the first half, gliding past opponents with ease but it was Uruguay who almost headed into the half-time break with a lead after Matias Vecino's header flashed just wide of the far post.