Brazil player ratings vs. Peru: Raphinha is balling again! Barcelona man at the double as resurgent Selecao cruise to World Cup qualifying win
The often-criticised winger bagged a brace in a comfortable World Cup qualifying victory for Dorival Jr.'s side
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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.
GOAL rates Brazil’s players from Arena BRB Mane Garrincha…
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GettyGoalkeeper & Defence
Ederson (6/10):
Claimed his crosses, and hardly had a save to make. No problems with a quieter evening, though.
Vanderson (6/10):
Didn’t get forward much – but didn’t have to. Peru didn’t threaten much down his side, either.
Marquinhos (7/10):
A couple of well-timed tackles showed off some recovery pace, and he wasn’t often beaten in the air, either. A fine defensive showing.
Gabriel (6/10):
A game that didn’t ask much of him and, if anything, highlighted his weaknesses as a passer.
Abner Vinicius (7/10):
Peru looked to exploit his wing, but he held it down. Passed the ball forward well, and won more tackles than he lost.
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GettyMidfield
Bruno Guimaraes (7/10):
Up for all of the dirty work in midfield. Won 100 percent of his ground duels and probably got away with a few, too.
Gerson (6/10):
Came out on the winning end of a few tackles, but could have shown more imagination when he had the ball.
Raphinha (8/10):
Took his penalties well, and really grew into the game after a slow start. He has been on fire this season.
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GettyAttack
Savio (7/10):
A real nuisance on the wing, especially when the game opened up after the break. Taken off after a fruitful hour.
Igor Jesus (7/10):
His clever run led to the first penalty, and he served as an important focal point – and reliable out ball when needed.
Rodrygo (6/10):
Like most of this season, struggled to make an impact. An ill-advised dink really encapsulated his struggles.
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GettySubs & Manager
Andreas Pereira (7/10):
Scored a wonderful goal to mark a fine cameo.
Luiz Henrique (7/10):
Found the net and assisted off the bench.
Endrick (N/A):
No time to make an impact
Matheus Pereira (N/A):
No time to make an impact
Andre (N/A):
No time to make an impact
Dorival Jr (8/10):
Got it mostly right, stealing the idea of using Raphinha as a 10, and getting contributions from his subs. Peru were woeful, but that’s no fault of his. Two wins in a row has things somewhat back on track.
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