The long road to World Cup qualification in South America continues this week and in the third round of fixtures we have a meeting between Brazil and Venezuela. The match will take place at the Estádio do Morumbi, São Paulo on the 13th of November and Brazil will be hoping to maintain their place at the top of the table while Venezuela are searching for their first point.
Brazil could not have asked for a better start to their 2022 World Cup qualifying campaign as they defeated Bolivia 5-0 at home. Brazil were the massive favourites going into the game and lived up to the billing as they opened the scoring after only 16 minutes. With the score 2-0 at half time, Brazil added 3 goals in the second half to seal the comprehensive victory.
OFFICIAL:The Brazil squad for November. pic.twitter.com/FH79tl4FHw— Brasil Football 🇧🇷 (@BrasilEdition) October 23, 2020
OFFICIAL:The Brazil squad for November. pic.twitter.com/FH79tl4FHw
Next up was a more difficult assignment away to Peru and Brazil found themselves 1-0 down after only 5 minutes of the game. Brazil struck back to equalise in the 28th minute but it was Peru who moved into the lead in the second half. However, Brazil battled back and scored the equaliser in the 64th minute and the hosts lost their discipline towards the end of the game, seeing two players sent off. Brazil took full advantage to score 2 late goals and take maximum points.
Trends show Brazil have lost only 2 of their last 24 matches in all competitions. They have a strong home record in World Cup qualifying and have won each of their last 7 games and remain undefeated in their last 37 qualifying matches on home soil.
Venezuela started their World Cup qualifying campaign with a disappointing 3-0 defeat in Colombia. All 3 goals came in the first half and although Venezuela made it more of a contest in the second half, the match was as good as over after the first 45 minutes. Into the second round of matches and Venezuela played Paraguay at home. With the game heading towards the 90th minute, both teams had the opportunity to win the match but it was Paraguay who scored the crucial goal in the 85th minute.
Despite having only played two qualifying matches, the pressure is already building on Venezuela as they are yet to win a point. Trends show Venezuela have lost only 3 of their last 11 games in all competitions, including a 0-0 draw against Brazil in the 2019 Copa America. However, away from home in World Cup qualifying Venezuela have managed to win only one of their last 13 matches.
Team news and Brazil have called up Neymar despite his recent injury problems. Roberto Firmino, Gabriel Jesus, and Richarlison are among those competing for a place in attack.
The experienced midfielder Tomás Rincón will captain Venezuela and striker Salomón Rondón is the man they will be looking toward for goals.
This is an extremely difficult game for Venezuela and Brazil come into the match as the heavy favourites to take maximum points. There is little doubt Brazil will win this game and much will depend on their own performance. We expect to see the home team keep a clean sheet and score at least 2 goals.