The Liverpool striker was crucial for the hosts while Fernando Diniz's side could be without their star man for an extended period
A serious injury sustained by Neymar added misery to an already forgettable night for Brazil, as a Darwin Nunez masterclass sent the Selecao to a 2-0 World Cup Qualifying defeat. Liverpool's mercurial striker bagged the opener and assisted the crucial second to round off a complete performance for Marcelo Bielsa's men.
Most of the first-half was marked by its lack of action. Neither side registered an attempt on goal for the first 40 minutes, and the two sides combined for 17 fouls. But Nunez broke the deadlock with the first shot of the game, guiding Maximiliano Araujo's cross past Ederson with a neat header.
Things would soon get worse for Brazil, when Neymar went down with what appeared to be a serious injury. The attacking midfielder planted his left leg awkwardly and needed to be stretchered off after clutching his left knee.
The Selecao offered more in the second half, however, as Rodrygo rattled a free-kick off the bar. Vinicius Jr had a duo of penalty shouts controversially waved away. However, they weren't clinical enough and Uruguay made them pay. Nunez was at the center of it all again, hooking a cross into the path of Nicolas de la Cruz, who finished into an empty net to seal his side's first win over the Selecao since 2001.
GOAL rates Brazil's players from Estadio Centenario…
(C)Getty ImagesGoalkeeper & Defence
Ederson (5/10):
Couldn't do anything about either goal.
Yan Couto (5/10):
Too easily beaten in the run up to the Uruguay opener.
Marquinhos (6/10):
Solid in the air, composed on the ball. Will be annoyed that Nunez was able to score so easily for the first.
Gabriel (5/10):
Given a hard time by the lively Nunez, and never really settled into the game.
Carlos Augusto (6/10):
Solid at times, but was nowhere to be found for Uruguay's second.
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Casemiro (4/10):
Didn't offer much in terms of creativity, and flew into tackles. Lucky to stay on the pitch.
Bruno Guimaraes (5/10):
Looked to settle things down, but couldn't really find any space in a crowded midfield.
Neymar (5/10):
In and out of the action before suffering a serious injury. Will hope it's as bad as it looked.
Attack
Rodrygo (6/10):
Rattled a free-kick off the bar, and looked to make things happen. More effective in a central role when Neymar went off injured.
Gabriel Jesus (5/10):
Barely involved. A frustrating night.
Vinicius Jr (6/10):
Brazil's liveliest player, and was kicked a lot for his troubles.
Subs & Manager
Richarlison (5/10):
Replaced Neymar shortly before half time. Didn't offer much.
Guilherme Arana (6/10):
Gave a bit more defensive cover.
David Neres (5/10):
A few nice touches in deep areas.
Raphael Veiga (N/A):
No time to make an impact.
Matheus Cunha (N/A):
No time to make an impact.
Fernando Diniz (4/10):
First Neymar gets injured, then Brazil concede two sloppy goals. Not his finest night whatsoever. He will be relieved when Carlo Ancelotti takes over in the summer.