Xtra Time Web Desk: Goal from substitute Lucas Paqueta in the 47th minute saw defending champions Brazil beat Chile 1-0 in the Copa America quarter final clash at the Estadio Nilton Santos in Rio de Janeiro on Friday night. Brazil was reduced to 10 men after Gabriel Jesus was sent off for a dangerous flying kick against Eugenio Mena. Tite’s side will now face Peru in the semi final played at the same venue on Monday. Peru beat Paraguay in another quarter final on penalties 4-3 after the regulation time ended in 3-3 scoreline.
An evenly contested first half saw both sides creating opportunities. Brazil came close to taking the lead as Roberto Firmino missed the target from four yards out and Jesus had his powerful strike tipped over the crossbar by Chile goalkeeper Bravo.
Tite made a substitution at the interval as he replaced Firmino with Paqueta. It immediately paid off as Paqueta combined well with Neymar to find the ball land favourably for him in the box. He made no mistake by sending the ball at the back of the net to give Brazil the all important lead in the 46th minute.
The hosts were reduced to 10 men in the 48th minute as Gabriel Jesus was flashed a direct red card for a rough challenge at Eugenio Mena. Chile kept piling the pressure for the equalizer but was thwarted by a resolute Brazil defence. The 2015 champion even had a goal ruled out in the 62nd minute when Eduardo Vargas’ header was ruled offside.
The Selecao managed to hold on to the slender lead to seal a place in the last four stages. The first semi final will be played between the 2019 finalists Brazil and Peru in Rio de Janeiro on Monday. On that occasion Brazil had the last laugh beating Peru 3-1 at the Maracana stadium.