On September 13, Neymar assisted Marquinhos’ goal in a 1-0 win against host Peru in the second match of the 2026 World Cup qualifying round in South America.
* Goal: Marquinhos 90′
Gabriel Martinelli took a corner kick on the left flank for Brazil in the last official minute.Marquinhos scored the game-winning goal after Neymar took a free kick and hung the ball into the penalty area.
Both sides labored before Brazil scored.The five-time World Cup winners dominated but were undone in front of Peru’s goal.The referee called for offside against Richarlison in the 16th minute and did not register Brazil’s goal when the striker passed to Raphinha, who shot past goalkeeper Pedro Gallese.
The referee proceeded to whistle for offside in minute 35, disallowing Richarlison’s goal after the striker headed into the left corner.Six minutes passed before the referee and VAR crew determined that the Tottenham player was positioned a few millimeters underneath the home defense.
Peru had numerous attempts as well, but were unable to trouble goalkeeper Ederson.The home team fired three times but only once on goal.
The game grew tight in the second half, with several collisions.The referee had to award two yellow cards to Peru and one to Brazil between minutes 48 and 61.Goalkeeper Gallese continued to be an effective barrier on the bottom line.After stopping Neymar’s hard effort at the conclusion of the first half, the goalie of Orlando City Club (USA) proceeded to excel in the 71st minute by pushing Raphinha’s shot away.
Coach Fernando Diniz changed four Brazilian players after an unproductive offensive period.Martinelli, who came on for Raphinha in the 85th minute, just needed five minutes to turn the game around with a corner kick on the left flank.
Marquinhos’ header against Peru was his sixth goal in 79 appearances for Brazil.Neymar established a team record with 58 assists in addition to his 79 goals.In these two records, the legendary Pele is placed second only behind Neymar.
Brazil regained the lead in the South American 2026 World Cup qualifying round with a tight victory against Peru, only hours after Argentina had done so.Both Brazil and Argentina have six points after two games, but Neymar and his colleagues are rated higher due to a greater differential.Peru, on the other hand, was eighth with one point.Colombia finished third with four points, while Uruguay and Ecuador finished fourth and fifth with three points each.The South American qualifier will resume in October with two matches.