After Argentina, Brazil also held their own in World Cup qualifying. However, the 1-0 win in Peru was not a brilliant performance
After the 5:1 win over Bolivia, interim coach Fernando Diniz played the same eleven again – and was only vindicated late on. He and the Seleçao fans had to wait until shortly before the end for the redeeming goal. Marquinhos headed a Neymar corner into the net in Lima in the 90th minute.
“Nobody thought we could score from a dead ball at that point, but that’s also part of our game,” the Paris St Germain defender said afterwards.
Guerrero in starting eleven for Peru
Before that, many misplaced passes had crept into the game of the record world champions. In the first half, the VAR took back two Brazilian goals for offside, including a Richarlison header that took seven minutes to review.
With victory over the Peruvians, who had the eternal Paolo Guerrero in the starting eleven, Brazil remain top of their South American qualifying group – ahead of the Argentines, who were level on points after winning 3-0 in Bolivia.