First-cap striker to lead attack for troubled Brazil

SAO PAULO – Brazil are in unfamiliar territory, grappling with mounting pressure and uncertainty as they prepare for crucial World Cup qualifiers against Chile and Peru, without the help of key players sidelined by injuries.

- REUTERS

After losing four of their last five qualifiers with a series of poor performances, the record five-time World Cup winners are fifth in the South America's standings on 10 points, ahead of sixth-placed Venezuela only on goal difference. Only the top six are guaranteed a berth at the 2026 Finals.

Paraguay and Bolivia are one point behind and another slip-up by Brazil could leave them out of the qualification places and at risk of missing out on the World Cup for the first time in their history.

Coach Dorival Jr, who was appointed in January after the team spent a year under two caretaker coaches as Brazil tried and failed to lure Italian Carlo Ancelotti from Real Madrid, has won just two competitive games.