Uruguay 1-4 Brazil: Paulinho Scores Hat-Trick, Neymar Nets Once As Brazil Sinks Uruguay At Home

Brazil were on top of their game this morning after thrashing their host Uruguay by 4 goals to 1 in a Russia 2018 World Cup qualifier. Edan Cavani opened scoring for the home side through a penalty in the first 9th minutes of play, putting his side in an early lead but that lead was quickly cancelled in the 18th minutes, when Barcelona forward Neymar Junior equalized to restore the confidence needed. The first half ended in a 1-1 draw with both sides going out to map out strategies on how to improve on their performance. The second half resumed with Paulinho scoring a hat trick for Brazil giving them an edge and just one step closer to Russia 2018. Paulinho who happens to the man of the match registered his goals in the 51st, 74th and a late goal which came 2 minutes into injury time. Brazil has now won eight straight matches with Tite at the helm of affairs, expanding its lead in the CONMEBOL table. The squad has 30 points in 13 matches and looks almost unstoppable. The 23 points by Uruguay are enough to remain in second place, although an earlier win by Colombia tightens the lead. Ecuador and Chile are also in the thick of what has become a crowded race at the top.