Juju fails Peru as Neymar and Brazil claim last-gasp win in World Cup qualifier

The pre-match preparations for the Peru vs Brazil game was marked by Peruvian fans conducting fetish rituals to neutralise Brazilian talent Neymar, but their plan ultimately backfired as the Al Hilal man came up with an all-important assist for the Selecao’s winner.

Shamans gathered outside Peru’s Estadio Nacional de Lima invoking spirits to cause the Brazilian superstar to suffer an inury against their beloved national team, but their plans appeared to backfire as the former Paris Saint Germain forward assisted a heartbreaking last-minute Marquinhos goal to give his side all three points. 

Admittedly, Neymar did not have his most imposing game in the hostile Lima environment, and the voodoo-wielding Peruvians must have thought they had succeeded in their plans when the 31-year-old forward missed a great chance to put Brazil ahead of the half-time break. 

However, Neymar and Brazil would have the last laugh in the dying embers of the game, as Marquinho’s leaping header was the dagger in the hearts of the hosts. 

Peru fought doggedly for 90 minutes and would have thought luck had turned in their direction a number of times during the game. 

First, Richarlison’s goal was ruled out after a VAR check as the Tottenham forward continued a worryingly dry spell in front of goal, eventually leaving the pitch without a goal yet again. 

His replacement from the other side of North London, Gabriel Jesus, was just as unfortunate in front of goal, missing a guilt-edged chance in the 87th minute that would have given Brazil the lead. 

As the Peruvians neared a famous draw against the mighty Brazil, they were heartbroken as Marquinhos turned in Neymar’s corner on the stroke of 90 minutes. 

The win puts Brazil back on top of the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying table, level on points with rivals Argentina, but ahead on goal difference.