World Cup qualifiers: Brazil first team to qualify for Russia 2018 after Uruguay lose to Peru

Sao Paulo: Brazil became the first country to qualify for the 2018 World Cup on Tuesday after Uruguay crashed to an upset 2-1 defeat against Peru.

The Brazilians had moved to the brink of qualification after defeating Paraguay 3-0 in Sao Paulo earlier Tuesday.

But Uruguay’s surprise loss in Lima and results elsewhere mean Brazil are guaranteed one of the four automatic qualifying berths from South America.

Barcelona superstar Neymar scored a dazzling solo goal after Liverpool forward Philippe Coutinho had opened the scoring for Brazil as the five-time world champions notched an eighth straight qualifying victory.

The win at Sao Paulo’s Arena Corinthians ensured Brazil extend their record of never failing to qualify for the World Cup by securing their place in Russia.

Tuesday’s victory sees them lead the 10-team standings by nine points with four games remaining.

After demolishing the Uruguayans 4-1 last Thursday in Montevideo, Brazil were made to wait for the breakthrough against Paraguay.

The goal they craved finally came on 34 minutes, with Coutinho playing a one-two with Paulinho before burying a low finish into the bottom corner.

Neymar had a chance to make it 2-0 in the 53rd minute from the penalty spot only to see his kick saved by Anthony Silva.

On 64 minutes Neymar doubled Brazil’s tally, collecting the ball deep inside his own half and setting off on a surging run down the left flank.

Neymar’s dribble ended with him curling in a shot which took a slight deflection on its way into the Paraguayan goal. Real Madrid defender Marcelo added a late third to seal Brazil’s win.