In a tense World Cup qualifying match between Argentina and Brazil, which was postponed for thirty minutes on Tuesday due to police-fan altercations at Maracanã Stadium, Nicolas Otamendi scored a spectacular header to give his country the lead.

The Brazilian police charged the visiting group after locals and Argentinean fans began during the playing of the national anthems prior to kickoff. The visitors retaliated by tearing up and hurling seats at the officers.

As the got closer, fans in the area were and fled onto the field. Stretchers were used to remove at least one injured spectator from the stadium.

After leaving the field and heading back to the dressing room, the Argentina squad, led by captain Lionel Messi, went over to the fans in an attempt to diffuse the tension.

After the police had gathered the traveling supporters in a pen and the world champion Argentina team ultimately made a comeback, the match between the fiercest football rivals in South America kicked off after a delay of roughly thirty minutes.

Winners of five World Cups Brazil lost consecutive qualifications for the first time in their history, and they were hopeful that the support of their sold-out stadium would help them turn the tide in their campaign.

Argentina’s lone goal on target came from a corner  defender Otamendi in the 63rd minute, and Brazil’s agony was made worse when midfielder Joelinton was sent off in the 82nd minute for striking Rodrigo de Paul in the face.

As Brazil entered the game having lost two games in a row in World Cup qualifying for the first time ever, the world champions handed their fiercest rivals a third straight loss.

Additionally, it was Brazil’s first-ever World Cup qualifying home loss. Argentina is leading the rankings with 15 points, followed by Brazil in sixth place, eight points behind, and the final spot that ensures a spot in the 2026 finals.