Coutinho scores as Brazil secure place at World Cup

Matt Stead

Brazil coach Tite was delighted to learn his side had qualified for next summer’s World Cup after a dominant 3-0 win over Paraguay.

The 55-year-old was conducting his post-match press conference when news filtered through that Uruguay had lost to Peru, ensuring Brazil became the first side to successfully negotiate qualifying for Russia 2018.

Liverpool’s Philippe Coutinho curled in a low opener and Neymar capped an eventful evening with a goal in the second half before Marcelo added a late third in Sao Paolo.

“My greatest joy is sharing joy,” Tite said in quotes reported by espn.com.br.

“When you look at the face of your family, when you see the players happy, when you see a happy little child, sharing joy is my greatest satisfaction. More pleasure.”

Barcelona forward Neymar, captaining the side, missed a penalty and saw an effort chalked off for offside on an evening when he was routinely on the end of rough treatment from the Paraguay defenders.

“I always think of overcoming my limits, first of all I want to help my team, always, and then I think about pushing the limits, reaching the marks of games and goals,” Neymar said after scoring his 52nd international goal.

“I am very happy for this moment, not only mine, but also my team-mates’.

“We are achieving our goals, which is to win and reach the World Cup as well.”