Militao features in Brazil 4-0 win over Peru

Eder Militao was the lone Blanco to survive from the 3-0 win against Venzeula on Friday. Fabinho was chosen over Casemiro in midfield alongside Fred while Vinicius Junior once again started on the bench.

On a nine game winning streak, Peru were certainly much more ambitious than Brazil’s opening night opponents and dominated much of the first half possession. However, chances were at a premium and when the first sight of goal did come around, it was Brazil doing the damage. A wonderful side flick from Neymar unlocked Peru’s midfield and stretched their defensive line as Danilo charged down the right hand side.

The initial cross was cleared, however it only managed to find Gabriel Jesus at the far post who knocked the ball back into the box for the onrushing Alex Sandro to meet and tap home .

Militao was involved in Brazil’s build-up throughout the first half and worked well with Ederson in bringing the ball out from the back. He did have one lapse in the 38th minute when his mark slipped by him and nearly chipped home an equalizer only for Danilo to chest the ball out of play.

Brazil began to take more control in the second half and, like against Venzuela, less was asked of Militao as the home side began to take control. Neymar nearly doubled Brazil’s lead from the penalty spot, however, VAR overturned the decision before he could take it. The PSG winger would later put Brazil 2-0 up with a longe range effort and from there the game became smooth sailing for the champions with Everton Ribeiro and Richardlison all getting on the scoresheet.

It’s difficult to say too much about Militao and Brazil’s defence because they are yet to really be challenged across 90 minutes. What one can say is that Brazil have now won 10 games in a row and that was the sixth time they kept a clean sheet with Real Madrid’s defender playing a role in that. It will be interesting to see how the rest of the group stage is navigated with knockout qualification all but secure, one would hope for a potential Vinicius Junior start in the near future before the knockout begins.