After a tricky start that saw them lose half of their first eight matches in FIFA World Cup qualifying, Brazil responded in an effective manner, recently beating Chile (2-1) and Peru ( 4-0).
Football dynamics are undergoing a significant transformation as they prepare for the crucial World Cup qualifying match against Venezuela on Thursday, according to head coach Dorival Junior.
“I don’t anticipate an easy match. We must not underestimate Venezuela, as Bolivia recently demonstrated. The football landscape is changing rapidly,” Dorival said on Wednesday in Belém, where the team is currently training.
Although Brazil’s recent victories have eased some of the pressure, the 62-year-old coach insisted Brazil and Argentina must recognize the ground they have lost to teams previously considered less formidable.
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“South American football has evolved considerably. If you look at the majority of national teams, you will notice that players are playing in clubs on a global scale, which was not the case a few years ago,” he noted.
“While the leading teams struggle to extend their dominance, the underdogs are making significant progress. This change tightens the gap and makes the matches more and more competitive. »
Under Dorival’s leadership, Brazil are still developing, suggesting their performances may “fluctuate” as they find their feet.
However, he expressed confidence that the team is moving towards a more “secure”, “robust” and balanced structure.
After a disappointing start to the qualifiers, Brazil are currently fourth in the South American standings with 16 points after ten matches, sitting six points behind leaders Argentina. The top six teams on the continent automatically qualify for the 2026 World Cup.
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Venezuela, on the other hand, ranks eighth in the table.
“We are not in the most advantageous position; we are catching up… (but) we are developing a more cohesive structure within the team,” Dorival said.
After the match against Venezuela, Brazil will face Uruguay next Tuesday.
