The Peruvian team lost 1-0 to Brazil on matchday two of 2026 qualifying after Marquinhos scored a header in the final minutes of the game. The defender exceeded the mark of the Bicolor defense and declared victory for the away game. After the end of the game, the name Alex Valera became trending on social networks.
Peruvian fans criticized the effort of Raúl Ruidíaz, who was given the opportunity by Juan Reynoso when the game was still 0-0. After Brazil’s goal and the end of the game, various users thought that Alex Valera should have come into the game instead of the “Flea”.
“It was Carrillo x Valera, you should no longer insist on someone who gave nothing for the national team. With Ruidíaz everything went in vain”; “Apart from the fact that he couldn’t hold it and then the corner comes and from there it goes to the first post where Marquinhos wins, why insist on Raúl? What did JR plan to do with his substitution if he can’t stand or get involved? Taking out André was a risk, but if I saw him dead, he was more of a fighter like Valera”; “They decided to use Ruidíaz instead of using Valera or even another marker”; “What stubbornness to continue to insist on a guy like Ruidíaz, it borders on brutal. It’s unacceptable to continue to insist on a guy who won’t cooperate. Valera, with all his limitations, deserves these minutes”; “The use of Ruidíaz was unnecessary, it could have been Valera. A well-planned and tactically well-played game. Big shout out to Juan Máximo Reynoso,” some of the comments read.
Alex Valera was trending after Peru lost 1-0 to Brazil on the second day of 2026 qualifying. Photo: Capture/Twitter. 
Alex Valera was trending after Peru lost 1-0 to Brazil on the second day of 2026 qualifying. Photo: Capture/Twitter. 
Alex Valera was trending after Peru lost 1-0 to Brazil on the second day of 2026 qualifying. Photo: Capture/Twitter.
What did Juan Reynoso say about Raúl Ruidíaz’s contribution?
Juan Reynoso spoke at a press conference and explained the reason why he ordered the participation of Raúl Ruidíaz in the match against Brazil for the 2026 qualification.
“We had rethought this ball. We had thought that Raúl, as he does at his club, has done in Mexico and everywhere, goes to the first post and Paolo goes to the penalty spot. The most dangerous balls were thrown between the first post and the penalty spot. Apart from lack of coordination, the responsibility lies with the one who speaks and it is his merit. What were we looking for with Raúl? That he would accompany the pressure with Paolo, and since he was fresh, he would also help us score passes and be active in attack,” said the coach of the Peruvian team.
🎙️ Juan Reynoso: “We thought that Raúl (Ruidíaz) would go to the near post, like he does at his club, and Paolo would go to the penalty spot because they were doing damage there. The responsibility lies with the speaker.”#TheHouseOfTheSelection 🇵🇪#ClassificationsxMDeports 🌎 pic.twitter.com/OgybCCnI0o
— Movistar Deportes (@MovistarDeporPe) September 13, 2023
When will Peru play in the qualifiers again?
Peru will face Chile on October 12, 2023 in the third date of the 2026 South America qualifiers. La Bicolor will visit La Roja at the Monumental Stadium in Santiago from 7:00 p.m. (Peruvian time) and 9:00 p.m. (Chilean time). .