Brazil v Peru: Selecao hoping to banish World Cup demons

After a humiliating end to their last major tournament, Brazil hope they can begin their Copa America challenge in much more positive fashion in their Group C opener against Peru.

On home soil last year, Brazil progressed to the semi-finals of the World Cup, before a 7-1 demolition at the hands of Germany in a match that will live long in the memory.

Brazil were then thumped 3-0 by Netherlands in the third/fourth-place play-off, and head coach Luiz Felipe Scolari soon departed.

He was replaced by Dunga - the 1994 World Cup-winner appointed for a second spell in charge - and since then, it has been smooth sailing.

In 10 friendlies under Dunga, Brazil have won on each occasion, conceding just two goals in the process.

Sunday's clash in Temuco represents their first competitive fixture since their dismal end to the World Cup, and Dunga has said this week it is time to move on from the pain of 12 months ago.

The coach has a selection headache in attack, with Diego Tardelli and Roberto Firmino vying for a spot alongside talismanic captain Neymar.

Tardelli was on target in the 2-0 friendly win over Mexico last week, while Firmino netted the only goal against Honduras on Wednesday.

"If a player closes the eye, the other comes in and takes over. That is the Selecao," said Dunga.

Goalkeeper Jefferson, meanwhile, believes Brazil's friendly wins count for little heading into the competitive action in Chile.

"The real kick-off is now," he said. "There are many national teams in transition, such as Argentina and Uruguay.

"It will be good for us to continue to grow in the competition which will certainly be a good preparation for the 2018 World Cup [qualifiers]."

Eight-time winners of this tournament in all its guises, Brazil only reached the quarter-finals in 2011, while Peru finished third - overcoming Venezuela in a play-off after defeat in the last four to eventual champions Uruguay.

Paolo Guerrero finished top scorer with five goals that year, but he is an injury doubt for this clash with an ankle problem, meaning veteran Bayern Munich forward Claudio Pizarro could be in line to start for Ricardo Gareca's men.

Latest in
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is expected to sanction plenty of sales this summer
When does the summer transfer window open?
Arne Slot and Mikel Arteta could both do with improving their respective attacks this summer
Arsenal to make bold move for Liverpool star with uncertain Anfield future: report
LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 21: Phil Foden of England reacts during the FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifier between England and Albania at Wembley Stadium on March 21, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Eddie Keogh - The FA/The FA via Getty Images)
'When I see Phil Foden play, he just seems like a shy lad - that holds him back a little bit. He has been tried in every position, but he just hasn’t performed': Ex-England star makes bold claim about Manchester City man
Arsenal's William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes embrace each other in celebration at full-time of the Premier League match against Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux on 25 January, 2025
Arsenal face losing Gabriel AND William Saliba, as new fears arise: report
Kevin De Bruyne of Man City in action during the Premier League match between Manchester City FC and Ipswich Town FC at Etihad Stadium on August 24, 2024 in Manchester, England.
Kevin De Bruyne touted for shock move to South American giants: report
LEVERKUSEN, GERMANY - MAY 18: Jose Mourinho, Head Coach of AS Roma, celebrates after the UEFA Europa League semi-final second leg match between Bayer 04 Leverkusen and AS Roma at BayArena on May 18, 2023 in Leverkusen, Germany. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)
Jose Mourinho planning Premier League raid for superstar: report
Latest in News
Arne Slot and Mikel Arteta could both do with improving their respective attacks this summer
Arsenal to make bold move for Liverpool star with uncertain Anfield future: report
LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 21: Phil Foden of England reacts during the FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifier between England and Albania at Wembley Stadium on March 21, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Eddie Keogh - The FA/The FA via Getty Images)
'When I see Phil Foden play, he just seems like a shy lad - that holds him back a little bit. He has been tried in every position, but he just hasn’t performed': Ex-England star makes bold claim about Manchester City man
Arsenal's William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes embrace each other in celebration at full-time of the Premier League match against Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux on 25 January, 2025
Arsenal face losing Gabriel AND William Saliba, as new fears arise: report
Kevin De Bruyne of Man City in action during the Premier League match between Manchester City FC and Ipswich Town FC at Etihad Stadium on August 24, 2024 in Manchester, England.
Kevin De Bruyne touted for shock move to South American giants: report
LEVERKUSEN, GERMANY - MAY 18: Jose Mourinho, Head Coach of AS Roma, celebrates after the UEFA Europa League semi-final second leg match between Bayer 04 Leverkusen and AS Roma at BayArena on May 18, 2023 in Leverkusen, Germany. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)
Jose Mourinho planning Premier League raid for superstar: report
Jack Grealish
Manchester City report: Jack Grealish poised for European switch, with price revealed