Xtra Time Web Desk: A first half goal from Lucas Paqueta gave hosts Brazil a 1-0 win over Peru at Rio to book a place in the final of Copa America 2021 on Monday. The defending champions will play the winner of the second semi-final between Argentina and Colombia.
Brazil dominated right from the start displaying some intricate, audacious football that kept the opposition guessing. The Selecao’s took control of the midfield with the trio of Casemiro, Neymar and Richarlison testing Peru goalkeeper Pedro Gallese into three saves inside the first 20 minutes. The deadlock was finally broken in the 35th minute by Lucas Paqueta. The Lyon man combined brilliantly with Neymar, who showed great skills to evade the challenge of four Peruvian defenders before setting up Paqueta who made no mistake with his powerful left footed strike.
The second half was a more even affair, with an ambitious Peru even drawing good saves from Ederson in the Brazil goal. The 2019 runner up came close to scoring the equalizer with Gianluca Lapadula forcing Ederson into a key block.
The Latin American giants have now extended its unbeaten run to 13 games. Tite’s boys are one game away from winning an 11th Copa America title and with Neymar leading their charge, they will fancy their chances at the Maracana stadium on Saturday.