Raphinha was the top scorer of the night for Brazil, with a beautiful free kick goal. But it wasn’t enough to guarantee victory in Maturín, in the 11th round of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Segovia equalized for Venezuela, and Vinícius Júnior even missed a penalty.
“The goal is good, but the important thing is to win the game. That’s why I leave sad, I’d rather win than score. We could have won, some things were complicated, some things that happen in the match”, said the Barcelona player. With the absence of Rodrygo, who was injured, Raphinha was given the number 10 shirt in these November games.
The “complicated thing for some things in the match” was that the stadium’s irrigation system was turned on during second-half stoppage time, when Brazil was pushing for victory, interrupting the rhythm. The Brazilian players also complained about the rival team’s fouls, some of which were stronger at times.
But even with all this, Raphinha said that. There are seven rounds left until the end of the qualifier.
“Playing here is not easy, they are undefeated. So this point away from home is important, let’s work to improve, work because now we’re going to play at home”, said Raphinha.
with 17 points, but can still be overtaken by Uruguay in the round, which this Friday (15) faces Colombia, in Montevideo. The Venezuelans are seventh, with 12 points, but they could also fall by this Friday.
The top six qualify for the World Cup, after 18 rounds, and the seventh will play a global playoff in March 2026.
