After a humiliating end to their last major tournament, Brazil hope they can begin their Copa América challenge in much more positive fashion in their Group C opener against Peru.

On home soil last year, Brazil progressed to the semi-finals of the World Cup, before a 7-1 demolition at the hands of Germany in a match that will live long in the memory.

Then-coach Luiz Felipe Scolari was soon replaced by Dunga – the 1994 World Cup-winner appointed for a second spell in charge – and since then, it has been smooth sailing.

In 10 friendlies under their new boss, the Samba Boys have won on each occasion, conceding just two goals in the process.

Sunday’s clash in Temuco represents their first competitive fixture since their dismal end to the World Cup, and the coach has a selection headache in attack with Diego Tardelli and Roberto Firmino vying for a spot alongside talismanic captain Neymar.

Tardelli was on target in the 2-0 friendly win over Mexico last week, while Firmino netted the only goal against Honduras on Wednesday. Goalkeeper Jefferson, meanwhile, believes Brazil’s friendly wins count for little heading into the competitive action in Chile.

“The real kick-off is now,” he said. “There are many national teams in transition, such as Argentina and Uruguay.

“It will be good for us to continue to grow in the competition which will certainly be a good preparation for the 2018 World Cup [qualifiers].”

Eight-time winners of this tournament in all its guises, Brazil only reached the quarter-finals in 2011, while Peru finished third – overcoming Venezuela in a play-off after defeat in the last four to eventual champions Uruguay.

Assistant coach of la Blanquirroja, Nolberto Solano, is adamant that Ricardo Gareca’s side will go out and seek to be the protagonist in Temuco.

“Peru will not go to defend against Brazil,” he told reporters. “We play with the plan of Gareca and he is a coach that likes to go out and take the initiative.

“We know that the Brazilian are strong and can hurt you at any time, but the group is strong and motivated to play a good game on Sunday.

“We all have to be very focused. The Brazilian players are higher ranked but hopefully we are all up to par and can get a good result.”

Paolo Guerrero finished top scorer with five goals at the previous edition of the Copa and he looks to have overcome an injury scare and should be in line to start against the nation in which he plays his club football.

Dunga has no fitness worries heading into the fixture and should be able to select his strongest possible line-up.

Bron: ca2015.com