Bruno Guimaraes will return to Newcastle United with a win and a loss for Brazil.
The 27-year-old started both of Brazil’s World Cup qualifiers, with Bruno shining against Ecuador.
Carlo Ancelotti kept him in the team to face Bolivia, but it was a different outcome for the Selecao.
Brazil lost 1-0, with Bruno Guimaraes giving away a penalty in the first half. That allowed Bolivia to pick up all three points, as they made the altitude of home advantage work for them once again.
It was a disappointing night for Brazil, but the Newcastle United captain should not be too downbeat about his display despite conceding the decisive penalty.
Bruno Guimaraes runs with the ball during a World Cup qualifier between Brazil and Bolivia.
Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images
Bruno Guimaraes was a ‘menace’ as Brazil lose to Bolivia
Following the defeat to Bolivia, the Brazilian media have given their verdict on Bruno’s display.
Globo Esporte were still very complimentary towards the midfielder, admitting he was one of Brazil’s best players.
“His performance was compromised by the penalty, but he was still one of the national team’s best players, setting the pace and appearing to have more energy than the rest,” they wrote, giving him a score of 5.5/10.
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“In the 31st minute, he made a crucial tackle to stop a counterattack. He played one-twos and delivered a beautiful nutmeg on Vaca.”
Goal were more critical of Bruno, giving him their joint-lowest score of 4/10.
They wrote: “Flew into tackles and was generally a bit of a menace in the middle of the pitch. Gave away a meaningless penalty.”
Who do Brazil play next?
The defeat to Bolivia brings an end to Brazil’s 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign. They are heading to the USA, Canada and Mexico for football’s showpiece event, despite this being their worst-ever qualifying campaign.
With their place at the 2026 World Cup confirmed, Brazil will turn their attention towards friendly action ahead of next summer’s tournament.
They have two friendlies scheduled for the October international break, with Bruno and co set to make the long journey to Asia. They will play against South Korea in Seoul before facing Japan in Chofu.
There is another international break in November, but Brazil currently only have one match scheduled. That is a friendly against Angola.
Between now and the October international break, Bruno will be solely focused on his Newcastle United commitments. They face Wolves in the Premier League at St James’ Park on Saturday, before welcoming Barcelona to Tyneside for their first Champions League game of the season.