Alvarez thrilled with Argentina 'show'

ARGENTINA celebrated their 2026 World Cup qualification with a dazzling 4-1 thrashing of arch-rivals Brazil in Buenos Aires on Tuesday night.

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Julian Alvarez, Enzo Fernandez, Alexis Mac Allister and Lautaro Simeone sealed an emphatic win for the world champions, who had been assured of their World Cup berth after Bolivia’s 0-0 draw with Uruguay earlier on Tuesday.

That goalless stalemate ensured a festive atmosphere at the Estadio Monumental before a ball had been kicked, and Argentina kept the party going with a blistering performance.

“We humbly did our job and played a great game. We gave them a show,” Alvarez told reporters.

“It’s a historic result, winning by 4-1 and that makes us really proud. “I’m so happy for the fans, for helping the team and to see how we played an impressive game at home. It’s great to know that we are qualified for the World Cup.”

Brazil captain Marquinhos apologised to the fans afterwards.

“What we did here today can’t happen again,” he told Brazilian TV Globo. “

It’s hard to talk about it in the heat of the moment... It’s embarrassing.

“We started the game very badly, far below what we could do and they’re on a great run of confidence. They knew how to play smart ... I’m sorry for our fans.”