Richarlison Scores As Brazil Stay Perfect

Richarlison was on the scoresheet as Brazil secured an impressive 2-0 win over Uruguay in Montevideo to take their South American World Cup qualifying record to four wins from four.

The Everton forward - earning his 23rd cap for the Seleção - doubled Brazil's lead on the stroke of half-time to keep the reigning Copa America champions top of the table and firmly on course for the finals in Qatar in 2022.

Arthur bagged the opener after 34 minutes when his shot from outside the box was deflected past Uruguayan keeper Martin Campana, and Richarlison - available again for Everton at Fulham on Sunday after completing a three-match suspension - made it 2-0 by glancing a precise header into the net from a short corner seconds before the interval.

Uruguay's miserable evening was completed when Manchester United striker Edinson Cavani was shown a red card on 71 minutes for a mis-timed challenge on Richarlison, who was replaced by Everton Soares moments later. 

Brazil - missing Blues midfielder Allan as a precaution following a minor muscle complaint in training - lead the 10-nation qualifying table ahead of Argentina by two points. The top four teams automatically qualify for the World Cup finals, with the fifth-placed side going into a play-off.


James Rodriguez tucked home a penalty in first-half injury-time but it was a game to forget for Colombia as their World Cup hopes were hit by a 6-1 defeat to Ecuador in Quito.

Colombia were without the suspended Yerry Mina and now sit seventh in the qualifying table, albeit two points off Paraguay in fourth.

South American World Cup qualifying resumes in March when Colombia host Brazil.