Late Marquinhos goal helps Brazil beat Peru

A late goal from Marquinhos saw Brazil eke out a 1-0 win over Peru as they maintained a winning start to their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign in Lima on Wednesday.

Interim coach Fernando Diniz went with the same line-up that helped Brazil thrash Bolivia 5-1 at home to kick-start their World Cup qualifying campaign with a win in Bellem last Saturday.

Despite no shortage of attacks, Brazil had to wait till the 90th minute to get their first and only goal of the game. Defender Marquinhos jumped higher than everyone and headed in a curling Neymar corner to score the winner for the five-time World Champions very late in the game.

Brazil could consider themselves unlucky for not finding a way through earlier as two first-half goals were ruled offside.

Raphinha had put the five-time World Champions ahead in the 17th minute, only to see VAR rule it out as Rodrygo was found off-side during the build-up.

Just before the half-hour mark, a header from Richarlison, who has been under fire for his lean patch, was ruled offside after a long seven-minute check by the referees. A quick counterattack from the right flank saw Raphinha find unmarked Bruno Guimaraes near the box as the latter put in a curling cross for Richarlison, who headed it in. However, Brazil number nine was found offside after a lengthy check, with the stadium erupting as if Peru had scored a goal.

The second-half saw Brazil make a host of changes, with Gabriel Jesus, Vanderson, Joelinton, and Gabriel Martinelli coming in for Richarlison, Danilo, Guimaraes, and Raphinha, respectively.

After the late assist, star player Neymar was also taken off in the final minutes of the game as Raphael Veiga came on in his place.

GBDESK//