Dunga’s men defeat Venezuela on Willian double

Two goals from Willian helped Brazil secure a 3-1 victory over Venezuela in World Cup qualifying.

The Chelsea midfielder struck twice before half-time and although Christian Santos pulled a goal back for Venezuela after the break, Ricardo Oliveira sealed the win with his goal in the 74th minute.

The victory was Brazil’s first in World Cup qualifying following their 2-0 defeat to Chile on October 8.

And Dunga opted for four changes following the loss as Alisson replaced Jefferson in goal for Brazil, while Marcelo, David Luiz and Hulk made way for Filipe Luis, Marquinhos and Oliveira.

Fans in Brazil had barely taken their seats when Willian gave the home team a dream start less than a minute into proceedings as his shot proved too hot to handle as Baroja failed to push the ball over the crossbar.

That sparked Venezuela into action, albeit briefly, Luis Seijas coming close to equalising with a long-range free-kick that almost snuck in at the far post.

Brazil dominated from that point on as Willian continued to be in the thick of the action. He almost helped make it 2-0 in the 13th minute, rolling the ball across the six-yard box to veteran striker Oliveira, who was denied by Baroja.

Brazil had another golden opportunity to double the lead just past the half-hour mark but Douglas Costa - through on goal - opted to play the ball to Oscar, allowing Venezuela to clear their lines.

Willian all but sealed the points three minutes before half-time following a brilliant solo run from Filipe Luis.

Filipe Luis skipped past two defenders and cut the ball into the area and Oscar let the ball roll through his legs as Willian pounced to fire powerfully past Baroja again.

It was more of the same in the second half, Costa nearly scoring from a cross-cum-shot that clipped the top of the crossbar eight minutes after the break.

However, Venezuela found a way back into the contest thanks to Santos' historic equaliser in the 65th minute - his first international goal in a decade.

Santos kneed the ball into the net from a set-piece as Venezuela scored their first World Cup qualifying goal on Brazilian soil, setting up a grandstand finish in the process.

Venezuela's hopes of a comeback, though, were dashed by Oliveira with 16 minutes remaining.

Oliveira - the leading goalscorer in Brazilian Serie A - stooped low to head past Baroja after Venezuela failed to clear Costa's delivery across the penalty area.

Venezuela's Christian Santos (L) scores against Brazil. Photo: AFP