A Commanding Performance from Brazil

For most of his time as Brazil manager, Dorival Jr has faced questions about his attacking setup. On Tuesday, he might just have found an answer. Raphinha, in the midst of a flying start for his club, also provided for his country, scoring twice and proving a constant menace in a comfortable 4-0 win over Peru.

The Barcelona man bagged a brace, before two late goals killed the game and carried Brazil to their second win in a row.

It was a testy contest for long periods, Peru doing their best to end Brazil attacks before they started - with tackles aplenty from both sides. Raphinha opened the scoring shortly before half time, converting from the spot after a lengthy VAR check determined that a Peru defender had handled the ball in the box. Rodrygo could have made it two after 43 minutes, but his chip was easily cradled by the goalkeeper.

Raphinha’s Impact and a Second Penalty

The Barcelona man added a second from the spot early in the second half - this time from a far less controversial penalty shout.

Andreas Pereira gave the Selecao daylight, though, with a fine flying volley, guiding Luiz Henrique's cross into the bottom corner. Henrique grabbed one of his own soon after, strolling into the space afforded him by an open Peru backline - before stroking the ball into the bottom corner.

Things aren't perfect for Dorival - there are still issues aplenty. But back-to-back wins will at least ease pressure, albeit momentarily.

Key Moments of the Match

The match saw a series of key moments that contributed to Brazil’s dominance:

• Raphinha’s Penalties: Raphinha converted two penalties, showcasing his composure and ability to take advantage of crucial opportunities. The first penalty came after a VAR review, highlighting the importance of technology in modern football.
• Pereira’s Volley: Andreas Pereira’s stunning volley provided the Selecao with their third goal, demonstrating the attacking prowess of the Brazilian team.
• Luiz Henrique’s Goal: Luiz Henrique’s goal added to Brazil’s lead, further solidifying their control over the match. The open Peru backline highlighted the defensive vulnerabilities of the Peruvian side.

Looking Ahead

Brazil will look to build on this momentum as they continue their World Cup qualifying campaign. The team’s reliance on individual brilliance was on display again on Tuesday, which might raise concerns about their ability to consistently perform at a high level. While their defense was solid, the backline will have to be vigilant against more clinical opposition.

For Peru, the loss will be a setback in their quest to qualify for the World Cup. Their performance highlighted their struggles to compete against stronger teams in the CONMEBOL region. However, the team will look to bounce back in their upcoming matches and find a way to improve their chances of qualifying.

This game serves as a reminder of the challenges that lie ahead for both teams. While Brazil has shown signs of progress, they need to find greater consistency in their performances to secure a place in the 2026 World Cup. Peru has a lot of work to do to catch up in the standings and will need a significant improvement in their overall performance to achieve their World Cup aspirations.

The Road to 2026

The CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying campaign is still in its early stages. Both Brazil and Peru have a long way to go before they can secure their place in the prestigious tournament. With a mix of experienced veterans and promising young talent, Brazil will be looking to build on their recent success and secure a place among the world's best teams. Peru will be looking to improve their fortunes and challenge for a place in the 2026 World Cup.

It will be an exciting journey for both teams, filled with opportunities and challenges. The upcoming matches will be crucial for both Brazil and Peru as they look to make their mark on the global stage.