Brazil target second 2018 World Cup qualifying win against Peru

16 November 2015 17:46

Brazil are hoping to get their second victory in 2018 World Cup qualifying when they host Peru at the Arena Fonte Nova in Salvador on Tuesday.

La Canarinha sit fourth in the standings after collecting just one win from their opening three qualifiers, although they are coming off the back of a 1-1 draw against Argentina in Buenos Aires last Friday.

"These latest qualifiers show what the classification is like," Brazil coach Dunga said to Lance.com.br. "We have to win at home and away and try to generate some points, win some or draw.

"The result in Argentina was good. Now we should improve our play and play better against Peru."

Brazil began their qualifying campaign with a defeat at Chile before returning home and beating Venezuela 3-1 in Fortaleza.

Dunga's men have yet to lose in 10 games at the Arena Fonte Nova, winning seven of those encounters, while they have not lost to Peru since 1985.

The last time the sides met was this summer at the Copa America in Chile, with Brazil winning 2-1 in the group stage.

The hosts will be without suspended defender David Luiz, who is expected to be replaced by Jemerson.

Peru travel to Salvador without the services of injured pair Juan Manuel Vargas and Andre Carrillo. However, Toluca winger Christian Cueva will return from suspension and boost Peru's attack.

La Blanquirroja, coached by Ricardo Gareca, head into the encounter in eighth place but just one point adrift of Brazil.

Peru bounced back from defeats to Colombia and Chile with Friday's 1-0 triumph over Paraguay in Lima courtesy of Jefferson Farfan's goal.

Gareca accepts his side will have to put the clamps on Brazil captain Neymar if they are to take a positive result on Tuesday but also knows that La Canarinha are not a one-man team.

Neymar has scored 46 goals in 67 international appearances and will lead Brazil's attack against Peru.

"Neymar is an extraordinary player," he said on his federation's website. "But Brazil have other great players that have as much quality as the Barcelona star and we cannot just focus on him."

Source: PA