Fortaleza: Brazil would be content to secure a 1-0 victory over Venezuela in their home 2018 Fifa World Cup qualifier on Tuesday, midfielder Willian said.
The Selecao began their qualifying campaign for the 2018 tournament in Russia with a 2-0 loss to Chile in Santiago last Thursday. Venezuela also started with a loss, stumbling 1-0 at home to Paraguay.
“I think 1-0 would be a good score,” Willian told reporters on Sunday. “It would give us three points and that’s what we want.”
The last time the teams met was in the Copa America in June, when Brazil secured an unconvincing 2-1 victory over Noel Sanvicente’s side.
Willian, one of his team’s few shining lights in Thursday’s loss to Chile, said the Selecao are preparing for another tough contest at Fortaleza’s Castelao Arena.
“Teams are better prepared than they were before,” the Chelsea player said. “There was a time when Brazil would be expected to easily beat Venezuela. But not anymore. They were tough to come up against in the Copa America and we expect it to be the same here.”
Brazil will be without David Luiz against Venezuela due to a knee injury, team officials said. The 28-year-old left the pitch in the first half against Chile.
Reserve goalkeeper Marcelo Grohe was also cut from Brazil’s squad due to an unspecified injury.
Luiz’s misfortune is likely to provide a starting berth for his Paris Saint-Germain teammate Marquinhos, who replaced the former Chelsea defender during Thursday’s match in Santiago.
Brazil will again be without Barcelona forward Neymar for Tuesday’s clash as he serves the final match of a four-game suspension.
In other South American zone qualifiers on Tuesday, Ecuador host Bolivia, Uruguay are at home to Colombia, Argentina travel to Paraguay and Chile are away against Peru.
