Brazil emerges first country to qualify for Russia 2018 World Cup

 Brazilian players celebrate at the end of their 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier football match against Paraguay in Sao Paulo, Brazil on March 28, 2017.<br />NELSON ALMEIDA / AFP

Brazil became the first country to qualify for next year’s World Cup in Russia thanks to some help from fellow South Americans Peru.

Neymar starred with his 52nd international goal as high-flying Brazil overcame Paraguay 3-0 on Tuesday but the CONMEBOL leaders still needed a favourable result in Peru.

And Tite’s men – amid a nine-game winning streak since last year’s Copa America Centenario – benefited from Peru’s 2-1 win at home to struggling Uruguay as the five-time world champions are assured of at least a fourth-place finish, officially stamping their ticket to Russia 2018.

Peru’s victory, while keeping their own qualification hopes alive, left third-placed Uruguay 10 points adrift.

With four rounds remaining, Brazil are 11 points clear of Argentina – who are fifth and occupy the play-off spot and will face Uruguay in August.

Brazil are back in qualifying action against Ecuador in the same month.
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