The Copa America hosts, Brazil will look to add to their winning start when they face 2019 finalists Peru.
Brazil might have secured a resounding win in the opening game of the Copa America, but they now face the task of clashing with their 2019 final opponent, Peru. The Selecao smashed their way through the opening game against Venezuela with a 3-0 win, courtesy of Marquinhos, Neymar and Gabriel Barbosa.
The hosts will keep their momentum going against Peru as they seek to stamp their authority in the current edition of the tournament. A win will help them take a commanding position of Group A and seemingly have a foot into the tournament’s next round.
Peru will be hoping for a positive start to their campaign, although the prospect of facing Brazil in such a game is always a tricky task. Other sides in the group may threaten their chances to progress to the next round, namely Ecuador and Colombia. A decent result such as a draw or, more so, a win would boost their chances.
Peru did put up a fantastic show in the 2019 edition, but there are fears they may not replicate that in this edition. There’s no point speculating the Peruvian’s competition outcome even without them having played a game yet, but Brazil is indeed the favourites in this tie.
Team News & Tactics
Brazil
Brazil have a formidable group of players available at Tite’s disposal. However, their superb showing against Venezuala does not give the manager any reason to change the current set-up. Meaning we are likely to see a similar starting lineup. If there are changes, there would be the bare minimum of it.
Marquinhos and Eder Militao are expected to continue their partnership at the back, while Danilo and Renan Lodi are also set for their full-back roles. There are options in the squad for full-back positions, and if Tite is to make a change, it could be at left-back, with Alex Sandro coming in for Renan Lodi.
Neymar is expected to lead the attack, and Tite is likely to retain the same set of attackers, meaning Richarlison and Gabriel Jesus will likely start again on the front line. Gabriel Barbosa, who got a goal as a substitute in the last game, is expected to remain on the bench and Firmino, Vinicious Jr, and others.
Casemiro is expected to anchor the midfield alongside Fred and Lucas Paqueta. The likes of Fabinho, Everton Ribiero and Thiago Silva are all expected to play a part off the bench.
Predicted Starting Lineup (4-3-3) – Alisson; Danilo, Militao, Marquinhos, Lodi; Paqueta, Casemiro, Fred; Jesus, Richarlison, Neymar
Peru
Peru’s performances during Copa America 2019 was nothing short of a surprise when they reached the Final, although they lost to Brazil. Their squad then was built around the experienced heads of some of their older players. Manager Ricardo Gareca has seemingly taken essential decisions with his team, omitting several players.
Veterans Raul Ruidiaz and Paulo Guerrero are some of the experienced players left out, although the likes of Christian Cueva have been retained. Gareca will hope Cueva will provide his experience in the game to his younger players in this tournament.
Sergio Pena is also expected to feature in the team somewhat dominated by youngsters. Below is how we think Peru will line up against Brazil.
Predicted Starting Lineup (4-2-3-1) – Gallese; Corza, Ramos, Abram, Lopez; Tapia, Yotun; Carillo, Pena, Cueva; Lapadula
Form Guide
Brazil – W W W W W
Peru – L L L L W
Key Stats
- Brazil are on an eight-game winning streak and conceding no goals in their last five games.
- Brazil have failed to score only once in their last eleven games.
- Brazil have scored two or more goals in seven of their eight games.
- Peru have lost four of their last five games, with two wins in their previous ten.
- Peru have kept only one clean sheet in their last ten games.
Player to Watch
Neymar
(Photo by Benjamin CREMEL / AFP) (Photo credit should read BENJAMIN CREMEL/AFP/Getty Images)
When it’s Brazil, it is rather hard to ignore a player and personality like Neymar. With flair and appeal in his character, Neymar also possesses the leadership quality needed from a Brazilian player on the pitch. After starting his Copa America campaign with Brazil in superb fashion, scoring and assisting, Neymar will be hoping to keep this run going.
Against Peru, he will have an excellent opportunity to stake a claim at being one of the tournament leaders and stamping his authority on the number’s table at this edition. Expect another superb performance from the Selecao superstar.
Prediction
Brazil 3-0 Peru
Peru might have been finalists in the 2019 edition, but there might be no room for any surprises this time around. When they face Brazil in their opening round, they should be wary of the Selecao attack and the superstars they possess.
Brazil are thoroughly expected to dominate this game and put it well beyond Peru’s hand to take all three points well before the final whistle blows. Expect a goal-fest from the likes of Neymar & co. alongside Alisson keeping a deserved clean sheet for the Brazilians.