Dunga urges fans to get behind Neymar and Co as unpopular Brazil boss prepares his side for Peru clash in World Cup qualifying

By Andrew Downie, Reuters

Published: 18:46 EST, 16 November 2015 | Updated: 12:54 EST, 17 November 2015

Brazil have never lost a match in Salvador's Fonte Nova stadium but the home fans must be patient when they take on Peru in Tuesday's World Cup qualifiers, according to coach Dunga.

'Fans know how important it is to support their team,' Dunga said. 'Sometimes the goals only come in the second half, details are decisive, we need to be patient without being oppressive, fans need to be understanding.'

Brazil have had an uneven start to their World Cup campaign, losing to Chile, beating Venezuela and drawing with Argentina.

Neymar poses with a lucky young fan during Brazi's training session in Salvador on Monday

Neymar poses with a lucky young fan during Brazi's training session in Salvador on Monday

The Brazilian superstar also took a selfie with the delighted-looking young boy at the stadium

The Brazilian superstar also took a selfie with the delighted-looking young boy at the stadium

Brazil coach Dunga looks on during the training session in Salvador ahead of their clash with Peru

Brazil coach Dunga looks on during the training session in Salvador ahead of their clash with Peru

Brazilian midfielders Douglas Costa (left) and Willian were in high spirits in training

Brazilian midfielders Douglas Costa (left) and Willian were in high spirits in training

Brazil's talisman and Barcelona star Neymar attempts an acrobatic kick during the session

Brazil's talisman and Barcelona star Neymar attempts an acrobatic kick during the session

They sit fourth in the 10-team group, with the top four qualifying automatically for Russia 2018 and the fifth-place side going into a playoff.

Hometown boy Dani Alves said the criticism of unpopular Dunga and the Brazil side was overblown and called on fans and media to get behind them.

'I really believe in energy and the energy is always very heavy in Brazil, it's much lighter abroad,' said Alves, who started his career at Bahia, who play at the Fonte Nova. 'Our country is very critical and not very patient. If we all pulled in the same direction we'd go much faster.'

Peru are on a high after winning their first game, 1-0 against Paraguay on Friday.

One of the key battles will be between Peruvian striker Paulo Guerrero and his former Corinthians team mate Gil. Gil is favourite to replace the suspended David Luiz and start his first match for the national side, alongside Miranda.

Brazilian veteran Kaka (left) takes a quick breather during the session alongside team-mate Neymar 

Brazilian veteran Kaka (left) takes a quick breather during the session alongside team-mate Neymar 

Neymar poses for a picture with a female fan as her friend takes a picture of the pair

Neymar poses for a picture with a female fan as her friend takes a picture of the pair

The two played together at Corinthians for 18 months before Guerrero departed for Flamengo earlier this year. In their only encounter since, Gil got the better of his opponent in Corinthians' 1-0 win in October.

Raul Ruidiaz, who has scored 12 goals in 12 games for Universitario this season, will start on the bench for Peru but could also feature at some point.

'I've spoken with Raul and he is in fantastic form,' Peru coach Ricardo Gareca said. 'We want to see that from the Peruvian players. I could take advantage of that, it would be great.'

Neymar shares a laugh with Brazil and Barcelona team-mate Dani Alves (left)

Neymar shares a laugh with Brazil and Barcelona team-mate Dani Alves (left)

Neymar goes up for a header during training with his team-mate Lucas Lima (right)

Neymar goes up for a header during training with his team-mate Lucas Lima (right)

Dunga also called upon Neymar earlier this week to up his game following the Barcelona striker's quiet showing during his side's 1-1 draw with Argentina on Friday.

Neymar returned after a four-game suspension but he was largely anonymous and his threat was limited to a couple of long-range shots.

'Neymar played for the team. He could not show the same play he does at Barcelona but he had bursts. He didn't have time to train and in the next game he'll be better,' said Dunga.

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