A Neymar-inspired Brazil reached the final of the Copa America 2021 by narrowly beating Peru. The Paris Saint Germain forward provided the key assist for the only goal of the match, which was scored by Lyon’s Lucas Paqueta.
Tite’s Brazil are through to the Copa America 2021 final after beating Peru by a goal to nil. A solitary goal by Lyon star Lucas Paqueta was enough to seal the win for the Selecao, who also beat Peru in the final in 2019. They will face either Argentina or Colombia for the trophy subsequently.
Brazil were on the front foot from the beginning of their semi-final tie against Peru and very nearly took the lead in the eighth minute after Richarlison rounded the goalkeeper to lay the ball into the path of Neymar, who fired wide.
Casemiro then tested custodian Pedro Gallese from a free-kick which the latter nearly spilled into the path of an onrushing attacker. Gallese, subsequently, made a string of impressive saves to keep the score at 0-0, including one from point-blank range against Richarlison.
Brazil took the lead in the 35th minute of the match, thanks to a wonderful piece of skill from Neymar. The PSG forward collected the ball as he ran past the last defender before he cut inside and wrong-footed three Peruvian players. The opposition defence all over the place, Neymar laid the ball into the path of Paqueta for an easy tap-in.
Peru’s best chance of the game arrived just after the break after Gianluca Lapadula was set free by a long ball over the top. Lapadula cut inside and shot at the goal, which resulted in a good save from Ederson. Brazil survived a late onslaught by Peru to secure their place in the final.
Brazil will face the winner of the match between Argentina and Colombia in the final of Copa America 2021; the loser will face Peru in the third-place play-off. In Lionel Messi, Colombia will also be up against the player of the tournament so far. Messi is the tournament’s top scorer with four and has provided four assists as well.
