Brazil was on the right track with Chile's victory – coach Dorival

Brazil head coach Dorival Junior said he was cautiously optimistic that his national team was moving in the right direction after beating Chile in World Cup qualifying.

Dorival's side had won just three and lost four of their eight qualifying games before Thursday's 2-1 win.

An 89th-minute goal from Botafogo striker Luiz Henrique lifted Brazil to fourth place, six points behind leaders Argentina.

“We are moving forward step by step, there is a lot to fix, but little by little we are finding the way,” Dorival said after the game.

“I am pleased with the maturity of the team, even though they are still very young. We had balance and calm.”

Dorival wanted to point out that only four of the players in Thursday's starting lineup – Danilo, Marquinhos, Lucas Paquetá and Raphinha – started for Brazil at the 2022 World Cup.

“A (team) renewal is not easy,” he said. “We don't have the structure that was put in place for the previous World Cup and that ultimately makes the games even more difficult because of the balance between the youth of these guys and the experience of the others who are there.”

“We only had four players finish the final game of the World Cup and that carries significant weight.”

Dorival remained optimistic that his team will be ready for the 2026 World Cup.

“We will arrive in two years with a strong team, but we will encounter some difficulties,” he said.

Thursday's late win, thanks to goals from Botafogo attacking duo Igor Jesus and Henrique, brought relief after significant criticism over recent results.

Paris Saint-Germain captain Marquinhos, who started on Thursday, said it was only a matter of time before Brazil won both consistently and convincingly, saying a change of coach was not the solution.

Dorival was under pressure after Brazil's poor performance in a 1-0 loss to Paraguay on September 10.

“Seeking change is secondary,” Marquinhos said. “I am happy with Dorival and the work he has done.

“It's not easy, you have to give him time to understand the team he has and use the pieces. Today we showed that we have quality and many good players. We know the trainer's abilities, what a great professional and person he is.” .

“We are fully focused on improving and growing as a group and team.”

Brazil hosts struggling Peru in Brasilia on October 15th. They will be without suspended West Ham midfielder Paquetá.