Argentina qualified for the 2022 World Cup finals in Qatar as a goalless draw at home against Brazil combined with results elsewhere to secure their spot. The Copa America champions join Brazil as the second South American team to qualify for the tournament.
Their place was confirmed after Chile’s 2-0 defeat at home by Ecuador later on Tuesday, together with Uruguay’s 3-0 loss in Bolivia earlier on. Argentina are now unbeaten in 27 matches over the past two years. Paris St-Germain striker Lionel Messi, playing his first game since late October because of injury, drew a decent save from Liverpool keeper Alisson in the final moments in San Juan.
Brazil came closest to scoring when Manchester United midfielder Fred hit the top of the bar in the second half. The two sides’ World Cup qualifier in Sao Paulo in September was abandoned after just five minutes because Brazilian health officials objected to the participation of three Argentine players they believe broke quarantine rules.
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni said qualification capped a “magnificent” year for his side, who beat Brazil in Rio de Janeiro to win the Copa America in July. “Winning the Copa, qualifying for the World Cup unbeaten – it was a dream,” he added.
