Brazil head to Russia

Brazil became the first team to qualify for next year's World Cup as their exceptional form continued early this morning (Wednesday) with a resounding home win over Paraguay. Willian was brought off the bench late on.

Tite's men made it nine wins out of nine and the 3-0 result in Sao Paulo, coupled with Uruguay's reverse in Peru, means they have an unassailable position in the top four places of South American qualifying. On this form they will head to Russia as one of the favourites to lift the trophy.

Philippe Coutinho opened the scoring 10 minutes before half-time with a good finish and Neymar doubled the lead in the second half having already had a penalty saved. Marcelo wrapped things up at the end of a delicious team move.

Willian was introduced for the closing minutes after that third goal. He will return to London with all international football now finished until June. The focus is firmly back on matters at Stamford Bridge and the crucial final two months of the domestic season.