United’s Bruno Guimarães scored his first international goal as Brazil thumped Bolivia 4-0 to clinch top spot in CONMEBOL’s ten-team World Cup qualifying group.
Bruno struck the Seleção’s third as the five-time winners preserved their 100 per cent record on home soil, having been handed a starting berth in midfield. They still have a game to play – a postponed clash against bitter rivals Argentina – but their win against Bolivia, coupled with the Argentines’ failure to beat Ecuador, means they are sure to finish top of the pile.
Bruno’s fellow South American Miguel Almirón wasn’t involved as Paraguay’s disappointing qualifying campaign ended with a 2-0 defeat in Peru. The 28-year-old had to sit out the game through suspension.
Closer to home, there was heartbreak for defender Emil Krafth as Sweden missed out on a place in Qatar after losing their play-off final against Poland 2-0. Having been absent for their semi-final victory over the Czech Republic on Thursday, Krafth was recalled to the Swedes’ starting line-up for their trip to Chorzów, but two second-half goals saw the home side qualify instead.
Magpies Under-23s midfielder Mo Sangare, meanwhile, played 82 minutes as Liberia lost 2-1 to Burundi in a friendly in Turkey. The Lone Stars have played three times there over the past week but have lost every game. Long out of the running for a World Cup place, Sangare and his country will look to seal a spot at next year’s Africa Cup of Nations when qualifying gets underway later in the year.