Brasilia, Oct 15 (EFE).-Two penalty goals by Raphinha and late goals by Andreas Pereira and Luiz Henrique helped Brazil beat Peru 4-0 solidify its position in the fourth spot of the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying standings on Tuesday.
The Canarinha is tied on 16 points with Uruguay, which remains third due to its better goal difference, and is six points behind leader Argentina and three behind second-placed Colombia.
Peru was left in the second-last spot, with six points, seven points behind last-placed Paraguay.
Brazil clearly dominated in the first half and Raphinha opened the scoring in the 38th minute from the penalty spot after Peru defender Carlos Zambrano was penalized for handball.
Brazil kept up the pressure in the second half, making every effort to extend the lead.
The strategy paid off and the referee whistled another penalty after Zambrano fouled Savinho in the box and Raphinha extended Brazil’s lead from the spot in the 54th minute.
In the 71st minute, Andreas Pereira scored Brazil’s third goal with a beautiful half-volley inside the box off an assist from Luiz Henrique.
Three minutes later, it was Luiz Henrique’s turn to score his goal and Brazil’s fourth.
Brazil kept up the pressure until the end and almost got the fifth, which would have allowed them to move up to third place in the standings, in the last minute of the match, but Andreas Pereira’s free kick went over the goal. EFE
cm/pd
