Over in Sao Paulo, Brazil were in scintillating form, which was bad news for Bolivia. Marquinhos opened the scoring in the 16th minute with a thunderous header from a pinpoint, curling Danilo cross. Brazil’s second and third goals were both ultimately tap-ins by Roberto Firmino but they showcased the team’s chemistry with both sequences involving impressive build-up play. Substitute Rodrygo played a big part in forcing an own goal by Jorge Carrasco and Neymar, who had two assists on the night, found Coutinho with a perfectly-weighted, lofted cross and the Barcelona man did the rest and headed home from close range.

Streaks extended and ended

• Brazil have never lost a World Cup qualifier at home with 43 wins and 12 draws in 55 matches played in total
• Colombia now have seven wins out of nine home qualifiers in history against Venezuela
• The 3-0 defeat ended a seven-game unbeaten run in away matches for Venezuela, which was their biggest streak in their history