Two players from local giant Botafogo rescued Brazil and coach Dorival Júnior from another embarrassment last Friday in a last-minute 2-1 victory at Chile in South American qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.
Under pressure from fans and even the country’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, Júnior is expected to give more playing time to Botafogo strikers Igor Jesus and Luiz Henrique, the scorers in Santiago.
Jesus, and not Real Madrid striker Endrick, is once more set to start as a centre forward, and Henrique is a likely substitute for Savinho in the second half.
But for their goals, a fourth straight loss in qualifying for Brazil could have meant the beginning of the end for coach Júnior, who took over only in January.
Going by Monday’s training, Júnior could be set to use another local player as a replacement for the suspended Lucas Paquetá. Flamengo midfielder Gerson’s presence would beef up the team’s physicality against Peru in Brasilia on Tuesday night.
Two other new players are also expected to be in Brazil’s starting 11 - right back Vanderson replacing Danilo, and midfielder André taking the place of Bruno Guimarães.
The rescue act by the two Botafogo players has reignited an old debate in Brazil; should the national team feature only players from the big European leagues for major competitions?
Brazil player ratings vs. Peru: Raphinha is balling again! Barcelona man at the double as resurgent Selecao cruise to World Cup qualifying win
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.
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.
