Brazil head into their opening Copa America fixture with Peru looking to record their 11th successive victory since their humiliating defeat against Germany at last year's World Cup finals.

Peru enter the tournament as one of the minnows, but they will be keen to make a good impression after their surprise third place in Argentina four years ago.

Brazil

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Since being thrashed by Germany and the Netherlands during the latter stages of the World Cup, Brazil have recorded 10 victories in a row, but it hasn't stopped their supporters demanding an improvement.

Despite a number of changes being made for the 1-0 win over Honduras, boos greeted a display that failed to excite fans ahead of the start of their campaign in Chile.

Brazil's footballing culture demands flair, but it is perhaps harsh to be critical of a side who have only conceded two goals since September, especially after letting in 10 in two games last summer.

Neymar is a big addition to the squad after he helped Barcelona win the Champions League, while Philippe Coutinho has been impressive since earning his place in the side.

Some major names face missing out on selection, including Thiago Silva, but Dunga has developed a winning mentality since his return to the national side and he isn't afraid to make bold decisions.

A contest with Peru is a nice opener for a tournament where they have enjoyed huge success in recent years, but Canarinho need to deliver a strong display to send a message to their rivals and satisfy the demands of their passionate following.

Recent form: WWWWWW

Peru

Since 1997, Peru have impressed at the Copa America on a consistent basis, with four quarter-finals and two semi-finals being achieved in their last six tournaments.

After dropping down to 61 in the FIFA world rankings, they are not fancied to repeat their third place of 2011, but the pressure is off to an extent after being drawn alongside Brazil and Colombia.

They have only recorded one win of note since September, which came against Paraguay at the end of 2014, but they did secure a 1-1 draw with Mexico in the build-up to this competition.

Their fate at this event realistically depends on the performances of experienced trio Paolo Guerrero, Jefferson Farfan and Claudio Pizarro, who have 199 caps and 58 goals between them.

They won't expect too much from their meeting with Brazil, but coach Ricardo Gareca is still assessing his squad after just two games in charge and a match with the five-time World Cup winners comes at the right time.

Recent form: LWLWLD

Team News

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Striker Neymar is expected to make his return to the starting lineup after linking up with the squad in the last few days.

One of Roberto Firmino or Diego Tardelli could also earn a start, while either Fabinho or Dani Alves will fill in for Danilo at right-back.

As far as Peru are concerned, Gareca is expected to use the majority of the team that began their draw with Mexico.

Fiorentina midfielder Juan Manuel Vargas could potentially be handed a role in the side should Garcea decide to add an experienced head to his lineup.

Brazil possible starting lineup:
Jefferson, Fabinho, Miranda, David Luiz, Filipe Luis, Fernandinho, Elias, Firmino, Philippe Coutinho, Willian, Neymar

Peru possible starting lineup:
Gallese, Zambrano, Advincula, Farfan, Cespedes, Ballon, Lobaton, Cueva, Sanchez, Ascues, Guerrero

Head To Head

Unsurprisingly, Brazil have never lost against Peru in their 11 previous meetings, with the Verde-Amarela winning eight times since the first match at the 1970 World Cup.

Brazil began with five successive victories, but Peru have improved since the turn of the century with three draws coming in their last six games against their more illustrious opponents.

The last fixture took place in 2009 when a Luis Fabiano double helped Brazil to a 3-0 triumph during the qualifying campaign for the World Cup.

We say: Brazil 4-0 Peru

Despite an unconvincing display against Honduras in their last match, Brazil should have little trouble in overcoming Peru, who haven't shown the form to suggest that they can record a positive result against a team who have a 100% record since September.

Written by
Darren Plant

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