World Cup qualifiers: Brazil thrash Uruguay 4-1, Argentina closer to sealing 2nd spot with 1-0 win over Peru

World Cup qualifiers: Neymar and Raphinha shone for Brazil while Lautaro Martinez scored Argentina's lone goal against Peru.

Leaders Brazil easily beat Uruguay 4-1 in Thursday's South American World Cup qualifying match, putting the team in standby mode for its direct spot at Qatar next year. Neymar and Raphinha shone for the Selecao in their home match at Manaus.

Second-place Argentina, meanwhile, beat Peru 1-0 a few hours earlier and are also close to clinching a direct qualifying berth. Lionel Messi did not have one of his better days, but the hosts managed to have the best opportunities in the match.