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Facing scrutiny from fans and even President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, Júnior is anticipated to provide more opportunities for Botafogo forwards Igor Jesus and Luiz Henrique, who both scored in Santiago. Jesus is expected to start as the center forward, while Henrique may come on as a substitute for Savinho in the latter part of the game.
Had it not been for their contributions, Brazil could have faced a fourth consecutive qualifying defeat, which would have jeopardized Júnior's position, having only taken the helm in January.
In Monday's training session, Júnior appeared to be considering another local player to fill in for the suspended Lucas Paquetá. The inclusion of Flamengo midfielder Gerson would enhance the team's physical presence in their upcoming match against Peru in Brasilia on Tuesday night.
Additionally, two new players are likely to feature in Brazil’s starting lineup: right back Vanderson is set to replace Danilo, and midfielder André is expected to take over from Bruno Guimarães.
The performance of the Botafogo duo has reignited a longstanding discussion in Brazil regarding the selection of players for the national team, particularly the preference for those in top European leagues. President Lula expressed his views on the matter.
“I was watching (Brazil vs. Chile) and I only recognized the goalkeeper (Ederson), the PSG defender (Marquinhos), Rodrygo, and Raphinha, mainly because of his hairstyle,” Lula remarked in an interview with radio CBN. “I didn’t know these players. They should select those who play here in Brazil for the national team.”
Since assuming his role, Júnior has called up 20 players based in Brazil. The match on Tuesday could further advocate for the inclusion of other local talents, such as Botafogo left back Alex Telles and Cruzeiro midfielder Matheus Pereira.
Brazil has climbed to fourth place in the standings with 13 points, trailing behind Argentina, led by Lionel Messi, with 19 points, Colombia with 16, and Uruguay with 15.
Argentina is set to face a revitalized Bolivia in Buenos Aires on Tuesday. Although Argentina leads the table, they are feeling some pressure after securing only one point from their last two qualifiers: a 2-1 loss to Colombia and a 1-1 draw against Venezuela.
Defender Cristian Romero will step in for Germán Pezzella, who is returning from suspension. Midfielder Alexis Mac Allister, who missed the match against Venezuela, is expected to take Thiago Almada's place. Additionally, striker Lautaro Martínez and Julián Álvarez are vying for a spot in the starting lineup.
Bolivia approaches this match with a different mindset compared to their previous encounter with Argentina, where they lost 3-0 in La Paz at the beginning of the qualifying campaign last year.
Under the guidance of new coach Óscar Villegas and following their relocation to Estadio Municipal in El Alto, situated 4,150 meters above sea level, Bolivia has achieved three consecutive victories in qualifying against Venezuela, Chile, and Colombia.
Currently, Bolivia occupies fifth place, within the top six positions that secure direct qualification for the World Cup. Their last appearance in the World Cup was in 1994.
In another match on Tuesday, Uruguay's coach Marcelo Bielsa will be under scrutiny as they host Ecuador.
Bielsa has faced criticism from both current and former players regarding his coaching methods, and the recent 1-0 loss to Peru has intensified the pressure on him.
“I recognize that my authority has been somewhat undermined,” Bielsa acknowledged following the defeat in Lima.
Ecuador's coach Sebastián Becaccece came to Bielsa's defense, referring to him as a "soccer father" and a significant influence in both his career and personal life during a press conference.