Bruno Guimaraes hears Brazil boos but Newcastle United team-mate takes step closer to World Cup

It was an international break of contrasting fortunes for two of Newcastle United's South American stars as Bruno Guimaraes' Brazil were booed off in their latest World Cup qualifier, while Miguel Almiron fired Paraguay one step closer to the 2026 tournament.

Brazil laboured to a 1-1 draw with Uruguay in a game of few chances, with Bruno's side trailing for all of seven minutes before levelling the tie. Guimaraes and his team-mates were booed off the pitch at full-time, as they sit fifth of 10 in their CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying table.

"Based on what we did here today, it's going to be difficult to beat us," Barcelona star Raphinha said at full-time. "The booing is for the result. Excuse the word, but we played like hell."

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Brazil supporters may not be used to slugging it out in mid-table during qualifying stages but the Samba stars are well on course to booking their place at the World Cup, hosted by Canada, the United States and Mexico in 18 months' time.

Bruno is likely to be joined at the tournament by Newcastle co-star Almiron after Paraguay enjoyed a successful international break by picking up four from a possible six points. La Albirroja beat World Cup holders Argentina last week before battling to a 2-2 draw with Bolivia on Tuesday evening.

Almiron found the net for his country before being replaced in the 86th minute, with Paraguay now sat sixth in the CONMEBOL table, four clear of Tuesday's opponents who currently occupy the inter-confederation play-off spot of the qualifying group. Reaching the 2026 showpiece would end Paraguay's 16-year wait to appear at a World Cup after failing to qualify in 2014, 2018 and 2022.

Focusing closer to home, both men will return to Tyneside ahead of Monday's Premier League clash with West Ham United as Newcastle look to kick on into the festive period before a busy January on and off the pitch.

Guimaraes this week played down any speculation regarding a St James' Park exit, insisting he is committed to the club where he believes he is an 'idol'. The midfielder also rubbished any Manchester City interest, despite admitting Pep Guardiola is an admirer of his work.

Almiron returns to the north east of England with his future slightly up in the air. The winger's agent last week spoke of summer interest in his client, who is reportedly unhappy with his lack of minutes in the Premier League this term.

Eddie Howe has previously urged Almiron to stay in the face of any transfer interest but it remains to be seen whether the former MLS star stays put beyond another window given Newcastle's recent PSR scare during the summer.