Internationals – Brazil and Argentina move closer to World Cup berth

Emerson Royal helped Brazil to an emphatic 4-1 home win over Uruguay in the early hours of this morning (Friday 15 October) to put them on the cusp of automatic qualification for next year’s World Cup.

Earning his second start on his sixth overall appearance for Brazil, Emerson completed the full 90 minutes as his nation, already clear at the top of the South American qualifying table, took a step closer towards punching their ticket to Qatar.

Indeed, a win over Colombia next month would see them confirm their spot in the finals with a handful of qualifiers still to play.

Second-placed Argentina are also close to ensuring their participation in Qatar after a 1-0 home win over Peru this morning. Cristian Romero and Giovani Lo Celso both started – Cristian played the full match while Giovani was substituted in added time.

Colombia secured their third consecutive 0-0 draw on Thursday night when they hosted Ecuador, with Davinson Sanchez an unused substitute. Colombia are currently perched in the last automatic qualification spot in fourth, fractionally ahead of Uruguay.

With all senior international action now at an end, attention turns back to the Premier League and Sunday’s trip to Newcastle United (4.30pm).