Brazil has booked its place in the final of the Copa America 2021 with a view to a 1-0 victory against Peru on Tuesday.
Lucas Paqueta scored the only goal of the match ten minutes before half time and took advantage of a fantastic play on the left wing from Neymar.
Despite a lot of effort from Peru, the result never really looked in doubt when Selecao had taken the lead. Inca’s best chance of the game fell for Benevento’s forward Gianluca Lapadula, but after hacking inwards, his effort was certainly removed from danger by Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson.
This made it possible for Tite’s side to keep another clean sheet, which has been the most important basis for Brazil’s success in this summer’s tournament. They have played six games so far and made 12 appearances, but have decidedly settled only twice.
The victory means that they advance to the final of the competition where they play either Argentina or Colombia on July 10 at the Maracana.
Marquinhos and Danilo celebrate Brazil’s victory / Wagner Meier / Getty Images
While many expect Brazil to favor a match against Colombia, Neymar has instead suggested that he wants Argentina to get through his semi-final – giving him the chance to face-to-face with some old friends including former teammate Lionel Messi.
Now without a contract in Barcelona, he aims to reach his fourth Copa America final, having previously appeared in the show event in 2007, 2015 and 2016. So far, Messi has not yet succeeded.
As for Brazil, they tasted Copa America successes in the last edition of the competition already in 2019 and now have the chance to retain their title. If they succeed, they will advance to ten competition wins in total – only Uruguay (15) and Argentina (14) have won more.
