As Brazil captain Neymar prepares to sit out the final game of his suspension from the national team he will be desperately hoping that his Brazilian teammates can get a victory over Venezuela and ensure that when he returns the uphill task of qualifying will not be any harder than it already is.
Brazil were convincingly beaten 2-0 by Chile on Thursday and now face the realistic prospect of another defeat, meaning that they find themselves really struggling to gain the momentum needed to qualify.
Neymar's teammate Luis Gustavo has been speaking ahead of the match and describing the mentality inside the Brazil camp ahead of the Venezuela meet.
Gustavo said: "We know the competition that we're playing in. We faced the Copa America champions, tried to do our best but unfortunately did not get the positive result,"
"This increases the difficulty, but we have an excellent group."
A feeling shared by Willian, who has called for calm in the Brazil camp despite the dreadful start, but is confident that his side still has enough quality to overcome Venezuela, even without Neymar and David Luiz, who will also miss the game.
Willian added: "If we start quickly from the beginning of the game pressing (the Venezuelan defence) trying to score, I hope the fans will get on side. Brazil is able to make a goal at the beginning. We know how the game will be difficult as all teams are well-disciplined. The important thing is that football has 90 minutes and not despair. We have to have calmness, press to make the goal and come out with the win."
What remains to be seen is whether the talented playmaker Lucas Lima will be given a chance to show what he can do in a Brazil shirt.
Lima is billed as the future of Brazil's midfield and a player who could be able to dictate the play from deep positions, but it remains to be seen whether Dunga will entrust the young Santos player pr not.
Brazil coach Dunga was not being drawn on the arrival of Lima into his team, but he did emphasize the simplicity with which his side needs to view this game.
Dunga said simply: "The home games will be crucial. We always have to get three points at home."
Whether Lima features or not, Venezuela, who are looking to bounce back from their own 1-0 defeat to Paraguay on Thursday, will be looking to their own young talent as Barcelona man Jeffren Suarez will likely make his second start for the national team in Fortaleza.
A defeat for either side in this match could be crucial coming into the upcoming fixtures and although Brazil will be firm favorites, Venezuela will be targeting an upset to establish themselves as serious contenders.
When: Tuesday, October 13th
Where: Estadio Castelao, Fortaleza
Kick Off: 2100 ET
TV Schedule: BeIN Sports
Live Stream: BeIN Sports Connect