Historic football game: The NFL now plays in South America

In a historic football game at the start of the NFL season, the Philadelphia Eagles have achieved their first victory. The team led by quarterback Jalen Hurts beat the Green Bay Packers 34:29 in the first ever game of the US professional league in Brazil. Running back Saquon Barkley, who moved to Philadelphia from division rivals the New York Giants before the season, shone in his debut with three touchdowns.

After a stuttering start in the first quarter, Barkley turned things around, his first two touchdowns through a pass from Hurts and an eleven-yard run gave the 2017 champions the halftime lead. The Eagles also retained the upper hand in the second half in the Corinthians Arena in Sao Paulo.

Philadelphia Eagles beat Green Bay Packers

A missed field goal from 43 yards by Packers kicker Brayden Narveson shortly before the end of the third quarter ultimately proved costly for the team led by quarterback Jordan Love. Love also injured his left leg in the final seconds of the game and could only walk with help.

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In addition to the now almost traditional foreign hosts Mexico and England, and for the last two years Germany, Brazil is the fourth foreign stop of the best football league in the world. The 42,000 tickets available for the game were sold out in just over two hours, despite prices of up to 400 euros. (aw/sid)