Brazil have ended their dismal run of four consecutive defeats with a 2-0 victory over Peru in the Copa America on Sunday. An early goal by Guilherme and a second strike from substitute Denilson gifted Luiz Felipe Scolari his first win as Brazil coach in his third game in charge.
Although both countries did not field their top players for the competition which has been seriously undermined by the upheavel that preceded this year's event and by the absence of Argentina, the win will be welcomed by Brazil and its supporters with a crucial World Cup qualifier at home to Paraguay coming up on August 15.
Brazil took the lead inside the tenth minute when Alex set up Guilherme with a quick, precise pass and the striker fired past goalkeeper Oscar Ibanez. Brazil sacrificed their more familiar attacking tactics in favour of cautious play that yielded few other chances but protected their lead. Their gameplan paid off in the 86th minute when Denilson made a wonderful run through the Peru defence and sidefooted from the edge of the box to secure Brazil's first points in the competition.
Filed by Amanda Fennelly
