Prediction: Peru vs Brazil

Verdict: Away win

Best odds: 21/50

Bookmaker: Unibet

The qualifications for the World Cup 2022 in Qatar have started in the CONMEBOL group. The first round has been played in full, and the second is about to follow in which Peru welcome Brazil to the Estadio Nacional de Lima for a game between the 2019 Copa America finalists. That contest saw Brazil emerge victorious by 3-1 with Everton Soares, Gabriel Jesus and Richarlison all on target, while Paolo Guerrero netted what proved a consolation goal for Peru from the spot. Peru then beat Brazil 1-0 in a friendly played at the United Airlines Field at the Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles in September the same year.

Peru

Peru also played two friendlies against Uruguay later, losing once and drawing once, and then lost to Colombia, all in the final months of 2019. Their first competitive game since the Copa America last year was the opening round of these qualifications, a game which they drew 2-2 away to Paraguay, and these two teams are now the only ones with a point apiece in the table, sharing places five and six between them.

Peru were in an inferior position against Paraguay, managing no more than 40% possession and four shots on target, compared to six from the hosts. They probably would have planned things differently at home against most opponents, but it won’t be easy against Brazil.

Team News

Coach Ricardo Gareca has no missing players, either through injury or suspension. Seattle Sounders forward Raul Ruidiaz is set to lead the attacking line again, with winger Andre Carillo, who scored twice against Paraguay, nailed on to start as well.

Brazil

As for Brazil, they played several friendlies after the Copa triumph too – draws against Colombia, Senegal and Nigeria, a narrow defeat to Argentina, and a convincing win over South Korea. Their qualifying campaign began with a 5-0 thrashing of Bolivia, which now has them at the very top of the table. Behind them come Colombia, Uruguay and Argentina.

Tite’s team dominated every aspect of the game against Bolivia, controlling the ball for 70% if the time and unleashing a total of 20 shots, nine of which were on target, while the visitors took only three (one on target).

Team News

Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker and Manchester City forward Gabriel Jesus did not travel for the international break at all due to injuries, which means we’ll either see Palmeiras’ Weverton again or City’s Ederson Moraes in goal, and Roberto Firmino upfront after his two goals against Bolivia. It remains to be seen if Arsenal defender David Luiz is used in midfield again, with Liverpool’s Fabinho available too.

Conclusion

Peru are without a doubt a very respectable team, never easy to beat, but in all honesty, this Brazilian side at the moment seems to be on another level compared to most teams in the world. The likes of Neymar and Philippe Coutinho have a lot to prove with the former continuously failing to win the Champions League with Paris Saint-Germain and the latter’s struggles to earn a place in the team at Barcelona since arriving to the Camp Nou for big money in January 2018.

Verdict: Away win

Best odds: 21/50

Bookmaker: Unibet