Brazil not taking any chances against Peru

FOXBOROUGH (Massachusetts) • Brazil will want to enter the knockout stages of the Copa America Centenario in style when they clash with Peru in both teams' final Group B match at the Gillette Stadium this morning (Singapore time).

Dunga's men did not start their campaign in brilliant form when they were held to a goal-less draw by Ecuador in California.

But they found their feet in Orlando with a 7-1 demolition of Haiti with Liverpool forward Philippe Coutinho plundering a hat-trick.

Brazil will want to carry on that momentum against Peru, with both teams level on four points.

Earlier this morning, Ecuador (on two points) take on Haiti, who have already been eliminated.

That means Brazil and Peru will know just what is required in order to make sure of progress to the quarter-finals - with a draw potentially enough for each team depending on goal difference.

However, Brazil will be without Real Madrid's Casemiro, who is suspended after bookings against Ecuador and Haiti.

Dunga could look to Wallace as a replacement, after the Gremio midfielder made his senior international debut in the win against Haiti.

"Dunga has not spoken to me," Wallace said on Saturday. "But if he chooses me, I will try to do my best.

The 21-year-old is confident after his good showing against Haiti.

"I was eager to play, but this is normal for any player who comes on for the first time," he said. "It took a little time to adapt, but I was fine."

For the Peruvians, striker Paolo Guerrero has again impressed.

And Wallace believes Brazil will have to be at their best to handle the experienced 32-year-old, whom he knows well.

"I faced Guerrero in Corinthians and Flamengo," the Brazilian said. "He is a very smart player, we cannot give him much space. He has a good first touch."

REUTERS, AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE

GROUP B: BRAZIL V PERU

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on June 13, 2016, with the headline Brazil not taking any chances against Peru. Subscribe