"world-cup-qualifiers"

Lionel Messi scored twice in Argentina’s 3-0 win over Venezuela in his final home qualifier, thrilling fans at Estadio Monumental. Messi, South America’s top World Cup qualifier scorer, said he’ll only play the next World Cup if physically fit

Last week, Luongo, a midfielder for Ipswich Town FC in the Premier League, ended his international retirement to join Tony Popovic's expanded 26-man squad for the World Cup qualifiers.

The 31-year-old Alex Telles replaces Atletico Mineiro's Guilherme Arana, who sustained a left hamstring injury during his team's 2-1 Copa do Brasil victory over Vasco da Gama. Telles, who has played for clubs like Manchester United, Inter Milan, and Sevilla, has earned 12 caps for Brazil since making his international debut in 2019.

Both sides were almost equal in ball possession and India had 10 shots on target as against seven from Afghanistan.

India are already out of contention to progress further in the World Cup qualifying campaign, and is now looking to secure a berth in 2023 Asian Cup, scheduled to be held in China.

Neymar and Lucas Paquetá scored Brazil's goals, marking the team's first win at Paraguay in World Cup qualifiers in 35 years.

India had held mighty Qatar 0-0 in September 2019 here, a result considered as one of the best for the side in recent times.

Like Spain, France started its qualification campaign with an unexpected draw at home but also got back on track in its second game, easing to a 2-0 win at Kazakhstan