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Peru vs. Brazil: World Cup 2018 Qualifying Live Stream, Preview
November 15, 2016
Peru host Brazil in FIFA World Cup qualification on Tuesday night, as the Selecao attempt to take their final steps towards Russia 2018.
The Brazilians lead the CONMEBOL group after a five-match winning streak, but their hosts were the last team to defeat them.
Brazil stand on 24 points after 11 qualification games, with Peru three points short of a play-off berth. A convincing victory could potentially see them leapfrog Argentina in the standings.
Here is how you can watch the drama unfold:
Date: Tuesday, Nov. 15
Time: 9.15 p.m. ET/2.15 a.m. GMT (Wednesday)
Venue: National Stadium, Lima, Peru
TV Info: beIN SPORTS en Espanol (U.S. only)
Live Stream: beIN Sports CONNECT, fubo.tv
Preview
After a couple of years in the doldrums, Brazil have recaptured their most ruthless form in 2016 as they look towards the next generation to feed their desire for victory.
According to Jamie Gordon of the Sun, the visitors will rely on an attacking formula in Lima, with Neymar playing alongside Philippe Coutinho and Gabriel Jesus in the forward positions. Juventus defender Dani Alves is set to earn his 100th cap on Tuesday.
Peru are clinging to the hope of an outside qualification chance for Russia 2016, but the table and their fixtures do not support an unlikely escape act to the World Cup finals.
However, the hosts were the last side to defeat Brazil—a 1-0 success in June.
The Selecao recently destroyed bitter rivals Argentina on the the qualification path, winning 3-0 in Belo Horizonte and threatening Lionel Messi's chances of appearing at another World Cup finals.
Bleacher Report UK highlighted the stunning win:
Coutinho and Neymar were the architects of the dominant display, leaving their country on the brink of group success.
The Liverpool player has now matured at international level after his grounding in the Premier League, and his influence has grown this term.
The 24-year-old has five goals and five assists in the Premier League this season, according to WhoScored.com, and has become a consistent contributor for his coaches.
Brazil coach Tite explained his thinking after he witnessed his team derail Messi and Co., per Gordon:
We forced our way into the Argentina half more to the left so Messi wouldn't be immediately near the ball, since he was on the right.
When he was forced to move it became better for us because that other side was already crowded.
[...]
One of the biggest lies in football is that if you mark you will not have the energy to do well upfront. That is not the case.
Peru's form has markedly improved and was rewarded with a recent 4-1 away win against Paraguay, despite trailing at half-time.
Per Tim Vickery of ESPN FC, manager Ricardo Gareca was delighted with the comeback: "This was the type of performance we have been seeking all along."
The victory gives the hosts a glimmer of hope going into the match against the leaders, but it is questionable if they have the defence to deal with Brazil's flair and creative power in midfield and attack.
Neymar appears to be a man on a mission after injury curtailed his 2014 World Cup on home soil, and the Barcelona player will be offered the chance of redemption in Russia.
Tite has rebuilt his side with a mixture of fresh talent and existing servants, and with Jesus ready to prove himself at Manchester City when he joins the Premier League club in January, the coach has a potent strike force to beat any opponent.
It will be a huge shock if Peru manage to end Brazil's recent winning streak, but the pressure is off the group leaders as the top four qualify for the finals.