An injury-time goal from Douglas Costa gave Brazil a barely deserved 2-1 win over a plucky Peru side in the Copa América on Sunday.
The substitute Costa slipped the ball past the goalkeeper from close range to extend Brazil’s winning run to 11 matches.
Peru got off to a dream start after only three minutes with an unexpected opener by Christian Cueva. David Luiz failed to clear a long ball and the goalkeeper Jefferson passed the ball straight to Cueva, who hammered it home from 10 yards out.
However, Peru’s lead lasted only two minutes. Dani Alves stroked a lovely cross into the box where an unmarked Neymar headed home his 44th international goal in 64 matches.
“It was an important goal,” Costa said. “It was a perfect pass from Neymar and I was able to control the ball and get a shot on goal.”
Costa, who came on in the second half, had already missed a great chance on a breakaway started by Neymar in the 75th minute.
Brazil face Colombia on Wednesday and Neymar said: “The opening match is always difficult, especially in a competition like this one, with the rivalry in South America. But we got the victory, which is the most important thing.”
Brazil have won 11 straight games since coach Dunga replaced Luiz Felipe Scolari after the 2014 World Cup at home. The Copa América is Brazil’s first official competition since they were humiliated in a 7-1 World Cup semi-final loss to Germany.
With six players from that squad, Brazil are trying to win the South American tournament for the first time since 2007, when Dunga was in his first spell in charge of the national team.
Peru were understandably disappointed to lose the match and the midfielder Jefferson Farfan said: “We had a chance to at least get a draw but it didn’t happen. We played a good match. We will stay focused, knowing that we still have a chance to advance to the next round.”
