Peru 0 Brazil 2: Gabriel Jesus scores and sets up Renato Augusto to edge even closer to World Cup qualification

MANCHESTER City-bound Gabriel Jesus scored one and set up another to help Brazil secure their grip on their World Cup qualifying group.

The Palmeiras striker - who will join Manchester City in January - opened the scoring before rolling in Renato Augusto to seal the three points.

And the win means the Samba Boys are now four points clear at the top of the South American table.

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They were caught on the back-foot at the start with Augusto booked three minutes in for a trip on the lively Christian Cueva.

And the Peruvian attacker had a penalty claim turned down after he turned his way through a number of players before being brought down.

Again Peru nearly took the lead on seven minutes as they carved the Brazilian defence apart after a one-two between Cueva and Andre Carrillo left the Sao Paulo man in on goal only to hit the post.

The Samba boys began to get a foothold in the game and Neymar laid the ball off to Paulinho only for the former Tottenham man's shot to be saved by Pedro Gallese.

Coutinho failed to put away a chance 18 minutes in after Renato Augusto made strides down the flank and flashed the ball across goal.

The best chance of the half fell to Manchester City midfielder Fernandinho who somehow missed from just six-yards out after a corner fell to him kindly in the box.

Brazil had to wait until the 58th minute for the breakthrough as Coutinho ran through the centre and stumbled on the ball.

The Peruvians failed to clear and Gabriel Jesus was on hand to slam the ball into the net.

Aldo Corzo had a half-chance with 15 minutes to go as Nilson Loyola whipped in a cross but he headed straight at Alisson.

Neymar then hit the bar after unleashing a ferocious right-footed effort.

But on 78 minutes Tite's men finally put the game to bed as Gabriel Jesus pounced on Loyola's terrible clearance.

The 19-year-old then laid the ball off to Augusto who had time to pick his spot.

Paulinho missed a sitter to make it three in injury time but the Secao will not be worried after battling for the win.

Argentina now trail eight points behind the Samba Boys even after their 3-0 defeat of Colombia. 

Uruguay are second but four behind Brazil after Alexis Sanchez inspired Chile to a comeback.