After a 1-0 win over Peru on Monday, Brazil advanced to the Copa America final, thanks to a first-half goal by Lucas Paqueta, his second in two games.
The winner of Tuesday’s other semi-final between Argentina and Colombia will meet the host nation in Saturday’s title match at the Maracanã stadium.
Every time Brazil has hosted the Copa America, they’ve won it, and they showed why in the first half of Monday’s encounter.
Peru goalkeeper Pedro Gallese made two point-blank saves from Neymar and Richarlison in the first 20 minutes, as well as two blocks when Casemiro attempted a long-range shot.
Brazil played some daring football, with flicks, nutmegs, and backheels, with Paqueta, who scored the game-winning goal in their 1-0 quarterfinal victory over Chile, a standout in midfield, but it took them 35 minutes to break the deadlock.
Neymar beat three defenders on the left flank before flicking the ball across goal for Paqueta to volley home from 10 meters.
“It was a very tough game, a very hard-fought game,” Paqueta said. “They are a dangerous opponent, but we were able to overcome adversity.”
Neymar praised his teammate immediately and vowed that there will be more to come.
He went on to say, “Paqueta is a wonderful player who gets better with each game.” “He had a terrific season with his club and is now proving that he can play a crucial role for Brazil.”
While Brazil led in the first half, the introduction of Marcos Lopez and Raziel Garcia at halftime startled Peru into action in the second half.
Peru, who were beaten finalists in 2019, pressed for an equalizer, with Gianluca Lapadula forcing Ederson into a critical save and the Brazilian goalkeeper looking uneasy on a few more occasions.
For lengthy stretches of the second half, Peru had Brazil pinned back, but they were unable to convert their possession into points, as the hosts extended their unbeaten streak to 13 games.
🔥🇧🇷 Lucas Paquetá deu o nome! Se liga nesse golaço na vitória do Brasil na #CopaAmerica pic.twitter.com/YXa1b1Da5x
— Sambafoot (@Sambafoot) July 6, 2021
