Newcastle United’s Bruno Guimaraes and Miguel Almiron each had a night to remember in World Cup qualifying action.
Bruno started on the bench for Brazil, as they faced Chile in a game that mattered much more for the away side.
Brazil have already secured their place at the upcoming World Cup, and laid down a marker with a scintillating performance at the Maracana.
Newcastle’s big money signing was among the substitutes, but did come on in the 82nd minute for his fifth international cap. He replaced Manchester United’s Fred, and found time to have an impact.
He teed up Richarlison for Brazil’s fourth in the 91st minute, after receiving a neat pass from PSG superstar Neymar. It still feels strange to see a Newcastle player in the same side as Neymar…
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It wasn’t a defence splitting pass from Bruno, but it was another example of his desire to move the ball forwards. You can see the assist below at the 7:50 mark.
Miguel Almiron nets important goal for Paraguay
While Brazil are already going to Qatar at the end of the year, Paraguay are not.
Their fate was sealed during the last international break, but they were still able to pick up a win last night. They beat Ecuador 3-1 to restore some pride.
Newcastle’s Almiron was on the scoresheet, scoring Paraguay’s third goal of the evening. It was a wonderful strike too. The 28-year-old picked up possession in the penalty area, neatly shifted it past the defender then drove a low shot past the Ecuador stopper into the bottom right corner.
You can see the goal below at the 4:50 mark.
It was a tidy finish from Almiron, who has often been criticised for his ability in the final third. But he delivered on this occassion.
We’re yet to see anything like that from Miggy at Newcastle this season. He hasn’t scored a goal for the Magpies since the 3-2 home win against Southampton more than a year ago.
The pressure is on Almiron between now and the end of the season to prove he still has a role to play in this Newcastle team. Multiple players have stepped up since Eddie Howe’s arrival, but that can’t really be said for Almiron, whose opportunities have been limited.
Hopefully an international goal boosts his confidence and he can return to Newcastle with that infamous smile on his face.