Brazil v Peru, 2018 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers - Costa, Augusto and Luis give Dunga space to breath

So, Dunga’s Brazil are now unbeaten in three consecutive World Cup qualifiers. They dashed Venezuela, escaped the Argentine scare and tonight, they outclassed Peru in a commanding fashion. Peru defeated the Selecao just three times in 41 appearances. Again, Peru’s current team are not the most competent sides among the other Latin American teams and thus, Dunga did not have to worry much despite having no proper number nine up in front and no Thiago Silva in defence.

Instead of Thiago Silva, Dunga introduced Gil along with his favorite man Miranda.  Gil fared better as a centre back and I am quite familiar with his abilities as a defender while playing for the Corinthians. But, to fill the gap of Silva is never an easy task.

Perhaps Dunga was affected by the rumor of Tite becoming the coach of Brazil and for which he applied Tite’s 4-1-4-1 formation tonight with Renato Augusto and Elias forming nucleus of the team. Dunga realized how well Augusto and Elias forged at club level and it was evident tonight while Gustavo supported well from behind. Meanwhile, Brazil’s right and left flanks were highly active not because of their wing backs but Douglas Costa and Willian.

Willian and Costa have been simply brilliant as Costa had the best game of his life in yellow shirt. Both Willian and Costa cut the Peruvian right and left zone to threaten them and added enough attacking flair, but they must be thankful to some of the lackluster approach by the Peruvian players at the back.

Peru counterattacked. But, they were less effective as Alisson was quick to act and weathered the storm well. But, Neymar was again found wanting. He lacked the spark of Barcelona and his rush of blood resulted in digesting a yellow card. Well, Neymar you should be careful and control your emotions as you are the captain of the team.

So, Dunga has survived yet again, but is he safe? To remain as the coach of Brazil, I repeat, he needs to choose the right players and shun pragmatism. I still believe Tite should be the coach.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar