Paulinho shines, powers Brazil past Uruguay

The 2018 World Cup is still a year away but the competition is already heating up with the qualifiers. Last World Cup’s host Brazil faced Uruguay in the qualifier. After a humiliating defeat to Germany in the last world cup semifinal Brazil under its new coach has performed better. Gone are the days when Brazil solely relied on Barcelona Star Neymar to score goals. New stars like strike Gabriel Jesus and Midfielder Phillipe Countinho have contributed with goals taking pressure off Neymar. Uruguay missed their Barcelona star Luis Suarez due to his suspension. The team faced Brazil at home where they have won 6 out of 6 games, scored 16 goals and conceded just one.

Uruguay looked to keep their record perfect at home as PSG star Edinson Cavani powered home a penalty. Cavani was brought down inside the box in the 9^th minute by the goalkeeper. Goalie Alisson tripped Cavani while trying to collect a awkward shoulder pass from defender Marcelo. However Uruguay defense focused too much of their attention on Neymar and tried to stop him from attacking from the left flank. This allowed other players space to create chances. Paulinho smashed an equalizer past the Uruguay defense in the 18^th minute from just outside the box. Paulinho continued his scoring spree after the half as he nipped a spilled save by Uruguay goalie on a attempt by Striker Firmino.

Brazilian Paulinho scored a hat trick vs Uruguay.

Uruguay’s attempt to keep Neymar off the score sheet ended in the 75^th minute. A lobbed pass by the defense gave Neymar a one on one opportunity. Neymar chipped the ball right over the Uruguay goalkeeper to make the game 3-1. Paulinho completed his hat trick just before the end of the game as he chested home a cross from Dani Alves in the 91^st minute.

Brazil now have 30 points from 13 games and are way ahead of second placed Uruguay with 23 points. Brazil look comfortable and will most definitely qualify while Uruguay is falling behind and have to battle against teams like Argentina and Columbia to stay in the hunt for a World Cup berth.