Brazil, the strong contender for the title, performed according to its influence, defeating Peru 1-0 and entered the final of Copa America football. Neymar played the role of facilitator in the only goal in this match played at Nilton Santos Stadium. He took the ball from defender Alexander Callens and handed it to Lucas Paqueta who put it inside the net. Despite the team’s defeat, Peru’s goalkeeper Pedro Gallese scored a brilliant performance and saved many goals.
The Canarinhos broke their rival’s resistance in the 35th minute. Neymar’s pass was converted into a goal with a strike from about ten meters by Lucas Paqueta. The second half looked different. Brazil concentrated on defense, while Peru attacked a little more boldly. However, they did not manage to score the equalizing goal.
Had he not saved the goals of Neymar and Richardson in the first half, the margin of defeat would have been higher. Brazil beat Peru 4 – 0 in the group stage, but the story was different in this match. In the second half, Brazilian goalkeeper Anderson made a brilliant defense on the shot of Gianluca Lapadula. Brazil’s coach Tite later admitted that it was an exhausting match physically and mentally. No less than the Copa America mental marathon.
Brazil has reached the final nine times out of the last 14 seasons. This time the team was made the host on occasion, as the original hosts Argentina and Colombia withdrew. As per the football news, the most successful team in the history of Copa America is Uruguay. It has triumphed 15 times, but only once in this century – in 2011. Argentina has 14 wins, most recently in 1993. Neymar did not play two years ago due to injury, but Brazil won the title by defeating Peru 3-1. Next Saturday’s final will not have enthusiastic fans to cheer on the host, whose entry to the stadium has been barred by the coronavirus. Peru will play the team that loses in the second semi-final in the third place playoff.
