Brazil first side to qualify for World Cup after powering past Paraguay

Brazil became the first side to reach the 2018 World Cup after three lovely goals helped them breeze past Paraguay 3-0 in the Conmebol qualifying group.

Though Brazil controlled the game, its first chance fell to Derlis Gonzalez, sent through when Cristian Riveros intercepted Miranda's pass. But confronted with a serious opportunity to score he panicked, thrashing a low shot wide, and it never got as good for Paraguay again.

On 34 minutes, Coutinho zoomed in off the right and played a wall-pass off Paulinho to drill home a lovely opener, and though a self-indulgent run-up cost a second goal when Neymar had a penalty saved, the result was never in doubt. And Neymar himself cemented it, finishing well on 63 minutes, before a lovely move four minutes from time, again featuring a flick from Paulinho, allowed Marcelo to caress a third home goal.

Victory ultimately solidified Brazil's grip at the top of the Conmebol group, while Uruguay's 2-1 loss in Peru later in the evening guaranteed Tite's side a spot in Russia next year.

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