Player ratings

Brazil player ratings vs Peru: Marquinhos saves the day after sloppy Neymar fails to convince in narrow World Cup qualifying win

Thomas Hindle
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The Selecao rely heavily on Neymar, and needed late heroics from elsewhere to pick up three points

Neymar failed to have an impact, but a last-gasp header from Marquinhos saved Brazil as they snatched a 1-0 win after a morbid performance against Peru.

The Selecao had the ball in the net after 15 minutes thanks to an opportunistic finish from Raphinha — but his effort was ruled out due to an offside in the build up. Brazil were left equally frustrated 15 minutes later, when Richarlison nodded home, only to be flagged marginally offside following a lengthy VAR review. They had further chances. Neymar saw an effort saved, while Rodrygo's incisive passing also caused problems.

They were more expansive in the second half, but failed to capitalise from open play, with Neymar's lack of sharpness in the final third a consistent issue. It was a corner that proved the difference, Marquinhos sneaking in at the near post to flick the ball into the back of the net in the 90th minute.

Still, Brazil will need to offer more going forward. They were lucky on Tuesday night, and cannot afford to rely on their main man showing up on a more consistent basis.

GOAL rates Brazil's players from Estadio Nacional de Lima...

Editors' Picks

  1. Goalkeeper & Defence

    Goalkeeper & Defence

    Ederson (6/10):

    Had little to do other than ping some delightful passes. He will certainly endure busier nights against stronger opposition.

    Danilo (6/10):

    Puzzling that remains a starter at 32 years old. Still has the legs, but wasn't as effective as required on the ball.

    Marquinhos (9/10):

    Peru didn't make it easy for him, but Marquinhos was classy on the ball and rarely troubled in defence. Bagged a dramatic late winner, completing a memorable night.

    Gabriel (7/10):

    Did the physical stuff as required. Solid on a night where he was always unlikely to be troubled.

    Renan Lodi (7/10):

    A marauding presence despite playing in an unfamiliar left-back role. Did enough to suggest he can be an option long term.

  2. Midfield

    Midfield

    Bruno Guimaraes (7/10):

    Impressive in a box-to-box role. Won the ball and filled the gaps effectively. Made up for Neymar's lack of interest off the ball.

    Casemiro (6/10):

    Passed well, and was Brazil's most obvious central creative outlet. More effective than he has been for Manchester United, but still looked leggy.

    Neymar (4/10):

    An uncharacteristically poor performance. Neymar was influential against Bolivia last week, but failed to offer much here. Some of his passing was wayward, especially in the final third. Perhaps that's to be expected from a player who had major ankle surgery six months ago.

  4. Attack

    Attack

    Raphinha (6/10):

    His constant running — on and off the ball — caused problems. But his final product was mixed. Raphinha will face competition on the wing when Vinicius Jr. returns to the fold, and didn't quite do enough to ensure he deserves a nod when Brazil are at full strength.

    Richarlison (5/10):

    Had the ball in the net thanks to a wonderful headed finish, but was correctly ruled offside. Otherwise didn't do much. Gabriel Jesus, who replaced him after an hour, is probably the more deserving starter.

    Rodrygo (6/10):

    Exciting on the left, where some of his passing was wonderful. His influence faded as the game wore on.

  5. Subs & Manager

    Subs & Manager

    Gabriel Jesus (7/10):

    Made a real difference off the bench with his clever hold up play.

    Vanderson (N/A):

    Puzzling that Brazil introduced a defender when they needed a win.

    Joelinton (N/A):

    No real time to make an impact

    Gabriel Martinelli (N/A):

    Lively on the wing, perhaps should have been brought on earlier. Won the corner that led to the winner.

    Raphael Veiga (N/A):

    On the pitch for two minutes.

    Fernando Diniz (5/10):

    Made a curious decision to start Danilo at right-back, but picked an otherwise full strength lineup. Brazil were sloppy and lacking in fluidity. They didn't really deserve the three points, but the manager won't care.