Nicolas Otamendi scored the only goal as Argentina defeated Brazil 1-0 on Wednesday at the Maracana Stadium to consolidate their top position in the South American qualifiers. Otamendi headed the only goal on 63 minutes, before Brazil were reduced to 10 men following Joelinton’s red card.
Tempers had flared in the stands at the Maracana moments before kick-off, with Brazilian police seen using batons to drive back a block of Argentine fans at one end of the ground. Lionel Messi, along with his Argentinian team, had to be escorted back into the dressing room safely until local police authorities took control of the situation.
Brazil’s third defeat of qualifying, meanwhile, leaves the five-time world champions in sixth place with seven points from six games.
