Brazil and Peru face off against each other in a repeat of the 2019 Copa America Final, as both teams look to end the international break on a high note.
Brazil are looking to end their international break on a high note. They will also be hoping to keep their unbeaten run going as they meet Peru in another high-profile friendly. Brazil come into this game after a thrilling 2-2 draw with Colombia in Miami. While the fans would have been thrilled with the outcome, manager Tite would have seen the problem in conceding two goals.
Before that game, Brazil had conceded more than one goal just once in 46 matches – which came during the World Cup against Belgium. However, the manager will be convinced of his side’s attacking prowess after star man Neymar made a stunning return to the international stages, with a goal to show for against the Colombians.
Peru suffered a heavy defeat the last time they faced Brazil and will be hoping to avoid a similar result. That meeting was the 2019 Copa America Final in Brazil, and Peru will be looking to exact revenge on the continental champions. However, it will not be an easy task, considering the kind of form their opponents are in at the moment.
Peru come into this game on the back of a morale-sapping defeat to Ecuador. The game finished 0-1, but it was the Peruvians who dominated proceedings for most parts of the game. Peru, in the past, have shown resilience in their gameplay, while also proving they could be a difficult side to break down, even for the big teams.
Team News & Tactics
Brazil
Tite could ring in the changes and ensure he allows most of his squad players to showcase their talents. The manager is likely to change the face of the team that started against Colombia in Miami. However, the manager will not look to replace the entire team, especially the back four, wherein he is looking for concrete partnership options.
The minor changes could come in at central defence. Tite would want to give Eder Militao a chance to make his case in the national team. He might come in to replace one of Thiago Silva or Marquinhos in the side, although it is likely the former might remain in the team. If at all another change is made, then it could be at right-back, where he might look to replace Dani Alves with Fagner.
There could be a change in the defensive midfield position with Fabinho replacing Casemiro, while Allan and Lucas Paqueta could replace Coutinho and Arthur in a midfield shake-up.
Bruno Henrique might be handed a chance to start upfront with David Neres on the right side. Neymar, who is one short of Brazil legend Ronaldo’s record of 62 goals, will begin on the left side of the attack.
Probable Lineup (4-3-3): Weverton; Fagner, Militao, Silva, Sandro; Allan, Fabinho, Paqueta; Neres, Henrique, Neymar
Peru
Peru might not make many changes to their team despite their unfortunate defeat to Ecuador last time out. Meaning, Ricardo Gareca is likely to retain most of his players from the previous game to counter the threat posed by Brazil in this upcoming friendly. However, one player they will miss in such a high-profile clash is their enigmatic forward Paolo Guerrero, who misses out through injury.
Pedro Gallese is likely to retain his place in goal, although Carlos Caceda is pushing for a start considering this game is a friendly encounter. One area that Gareca could look for a change is the central defence. The player most likely to start is Carlos Zambrano, who could come in for Anderson Santamaria.
Pedro Aquino could replace Christopher Gonzales, but Renato Tapia is likely to hold on to his spot in the midfield double pivot for La Blanquirroja. Andre Carrillo could come in for Gabriel Costa on the right flank against Brazil. Edison Flores and Christian Cueva could keep their places in attack, while Raul Ruidiaz will continue as Peru’s central striker in the absence of Guerrero.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Gallese; Advincula, Zombrano, Abram, Trauco; Tapia, Aquino; Carrillo, Cueva, Flores; Ruidiaz
Key Stats
- Brazil are on a 17-game unbeaten streak. Their last defeat came against Belgium in the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
- Following their defeat to Ecuador, Peru have now lost three of their previous five fixtures.
- Brazil and Peru have clashed against each other on 46 occasions previously. The Selecao have won on 33 occasions, while La Blanquirroja have come out on top just 4 times (D9).
- Peru have won just one of their last 20 fixtures against the Brazilians (D6 L13).
- Neymar is only a goal behind Brazil legend Luis Ronaldo’s Brazil record of 62 strikes. The PSG superstar has now netted 61 times in 98 appearances for the Selecao.
Player to Watch
Neymar
Just like in the last game, Neymar headlines this tie against Peru. Against Colombia, the reason for Neymar to be the player to watch was the fact that he was returning to the national side after being out for three months. The PSG star had a point to prove, and since he’s proven his importance, it is imperative he asserts himself to be an indispensable figure in the side.
Additionally, Neymar is chasing Brazil great Ronaldo’s impeccable record of 62 international goals after moving to 61 strikes, with his goal against Colombia in the last game. The PSG forward has plenty of time on his hands to match Pele’s record, which stands at 77 goals. For now, reaching 62 is the target, which will more than motivate Neymar against Peru.
Prediction
Brazil 3-1 Peru
In what will be a the repeat of the 2019 Copa America Final, Brazil will once again enter as the favourites against Peru. The Selecao have the richer squad in terms of quality, and they are likely to use fresh legs after the last game. Peru, meanwhile, will be looking to restore pride with a strong performance, but some of the tired legs in their team could be exploited here.
With Tite likely to make several changes, it will only change the complexion of the side but not their form. Peru are expected to lose this encounter by a good margin, as Neymar & co. look to end the international break with a resounding victory.
