Paulinho scores hat-trick as Brazil thrash Uruguay in FIFA World Cup qualifier
Brazil defeated Uruguay 4-1 as the five-time world champions opened up a seven-point lead at the top of the South American qualifying standings
China-based midfielder Paulinho scored a hat-trick as Brazil thrashed Uruguay 4-1 to move to the brink of the World Cup finals here Thursday.
Barcelona superstar Neymar scored Brazil’s other goal with a cheeky lob as the five-time world champions opened up a seven-point lead at the top of the South American qualifying standings.
It was a superb display from Brazil, who have enjoyed a renaissance since new coach Tite took over last year following the sacking of Dunga.
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Edinson Cavani fired Uruguay into the lead from the penalty spot after only nine minutes but Paulinho scored twice to put Brazil 2-1 ahead just after half-time.
Neymar’s sublime lob made it 3-1 and then Paulinho bundled in his third in injury time.
The top four teams in the South American standings qualify automatically, with the fifth entering a play-off.
Brazil made a bright start with Neymar and Philippe Coutinho combining after only four minutes to create a golden chance for Roberto Firmino, who was unable to tuck away Liverpool teammate Coutinho’s low cross.
But the Brazilians were rocked moments later when a blunder by Real Madrid defender Marcelo led to a Uruguay penalty.
Marcelo paid the price for an over-ambitious attempt to chest the ball back to Alisson, Cavani darting in to go wide of the Brazilian goalkeeper who clumsily brought down the Paris Saint-Germain striker.
Cavani then got to his feet to bury an emphatic spot-kick hard and low into the bottom left hand corner to make it 1-0 after nine minutes.
Brazil, however, did not have to wait long to draw level, Paulinho making it 1-1 after 19 minutes.
Neymar advanced menacingly down the left flank and picked out Paulinho in space. The midfielder surged forward and, with Uruguay’s defence backing off, uncorked a 25-yard thunderbolt that flew into the top corner.
Paulinho fired Brazil into the lead in the 51st minute, stabbing home a rebound from Coutinho’s shot.
Neymar then scored in the 75th minute to make the game safe before Paulinho chested home in injury time to complete a deserved win.