Brazil 1-0 Peru
Brazil are one step closer to complete their repeat bid here in the Copa America after outlasting a pesky Peru squad last Monday night.
Lucas Paqueta did it again as the Brazil’s super sub, who scored the winner against Chile, delivered the only goal of the game for another 1-0 victory.
Similar to the previous match, Brazil went to their bag of tricks as they produced numerous Copa America 2021 highlights by showing off their skills.
Neymar was heavily featured in his game as he was the main catalyst for the Samba Boys, and it feels like that they should’ve put in more goals if only they weren’t wasteful on their opportunities.
Nonetheless, Brazil head coach Tite will be satisfied with the result but he’ll surely want to see a more convincing performance in the final, to which they remain the heavy favourites in the Copa America 2021 odds.
Yesterday was a disappointing end to Peru’s run since they’ve gone a long way since their terrible opening performance against the defending champions, but Los Incas know within themselves that they’ve done all they can.
As we’re reaching the climax of this tournament, here at SBOTOP, we re-live last night’s game here in our recap.
Highlights of the game
The Samba Boys started the game on the right foot as they continuously hunted for goals. However, they were unlucky in a couple of instances.
Richarlison generated one of Brazil’s first chances in the game during the eighth minute when he caught the ball inside the box. But when he pulled the ball back to Neymar, the PSG star overcooked his shot.
Minutes later, the Brazilians tested the Peruvians again in three straight occasions but Pedro Gallese’s quick hands came to the rescue.
First was a 30-yard attempt from Casemiro and then it was followed up with a left-foot effort by Richarlison and another attempt from Neymar, similar to what happened during the eighth minute.
After miffing their chances early on, the Selecao would finally broke the deadlock in the 35th minute when Lucas Paqueta converted after an audacious dime from Neymar, who beat three Peru defenders in the process.
But after taking control in the first half, the momentum shifted slightly to Peru’s favour as they were desperate for an equaliser.
Ricardo Gareca’s side held Brazil in long spells of the second half and they almost levelled the game on several occasions.
Gianluca Lapadula attempted a left-foot strike in the 52nd minute when he was left wide open inside the penalty area, but Ederson was there to tip the ball away.
Substitute Raziel Garcia almost opened his account from long range during the 61st minute. However, Ederson was there again for the save.
Los Incas’ last chance came in the form of a header from Alexander Callens in the 81st minute from a spot-kick, but his attempt went too wide.
Key statistics
The Selecao are now unbeaten in 13 straight games after last night’s match. Their last loss dates back to a 1-0 defeat against Argentina during a 2019 international friendly.
Lucas Paqueta has emerged as a key player for Brazil in this tournament. He has now scored two goals in the last two matches and he has shown great chemistry alongside Neymar.
All in all, the 23-year-old now has five goals in 20 international caps for the Samba Boys since being called up for the first time in 2018. At his mother club Lyon this season, Paqueta notched 10 goals and six assists in 34 matches.
Brazil were the more aggressive attacking team in this game since they’ve tallied 15 total shots with eight of them on target. Meanwhile, Peru only had seven total with two of them on target.
However, they’ve failed to score multiple goals in three straight matches, which might leave an opening for Argentina or Colombia to exploit come the Finals.
On the flip side, Brazil’s defence has been superb since they’ve only surrendered two goals in this tournament as four of their six games so far were clean sheets.
Brazil have won the Copa America every time they hosted the tournament. Can they continue such flawless record this weekend?
What’s next?
Brazil will have a tough Copa America Final ahead on Saturday as they’ll face the winner between Argentina and Colombia, who are set to face off tonight.
Peru, meanwhile, will face the loser of the semifinals tiff between Argentina and Colombia this Friday in a battle for third place.
After the Copa America, Brazil and Peru are set to lock horns once more in the World Cup qualifiers on September 7.
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