Brazil 2-0 Argentina: 3 reasons why Brazil won | Copa America 2019

Brazil faced Argentina at the Belo Horizonte in the first semi-final of the Copa America 2019. Argentina came into the game on the back off a 2-0 win against Venezuela. Brazil on the other hand, were taken to their limit by Paraguay and had to fight off nerves in the penalty shootouts.

Argentina went with an unchanged side for the semifinal clash. For Brazil, Casemiro replaced Allan in the middle of the park, while Alex Sandro started ahead of Filipe Luis at left-back.

The nightmares of the 7-1 loss at the hands of Germany at the very same venue might or might not have been playing on the back of their mind, but Brazil put forth an all-round performance to see themselves in the final.

Gabriel Jesus opened the scoring from a brilliant assist by Roberto Firmino in the 19th minute. Argentina created chances through Lionel Messi, notably, the free-kick which Aguero headed onto the post. Messi himself hit the post in the second half as well.

Jesus however, put the final nail in the coffin with a brilliant solo move, culminating in a pass to Firmino, who put the game to bed. Brazil will have to wait for the winner of Peru/Chile at the Maracana, while Argentina's wait for a major trophy continues.

On that note, let's look at three reasons why Brazil won the semi-final.

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#3 Solid defense

Aguero was kept quiet by the Brazilian defense for most part of the game

Pretty obvious when the opponent doesn't score, but, the Brazilian defense was as composed a defense you'd ever come across in a football match. The understanding between the keeper and his defense, the center back partnership, the fullbacks, everyone did their part well.

No room was allowed for the striker tandem of Aguero and Lautaro Martinez to run in behind. No silly mistakes were made, on and off the ball, no miscommunication took place, the set pieces were dealt well.

Argentina were made to push and strive for the extra yard, such was the resoluteness of the Brazilian back line. Apart from a moment or two where the likes of Messi and Aguero sparked into life, Brazil kept the opposition at bay.

Brazil had luck on their side too, with Messi and Aguero both hitting the post. But as the saying goes, luck favors the brave.

#2 The tormenting Brazilian forward line

Firmino and Jesus both scored vital goals

With the exception of Everton, which was highly surprising, all of Brazil's forwards were in great touch, unlike their Argentine counterparts. Gabriel Jesus and Firmino combined twice to score the goals, each of them getting a goal and an assist in the process.

Jesus pulled off a brilliant solo move, dancing away from Pezzella's challenge, Otamendi's hustle and Foyth's tackle all by himself; and made the right decision to pass to Firmino for the tap-in. Firmino found Jesus with a single touch of the ball in the first half to open the scoring.

Apart from them, Coutinho also provided stability in the attack, completing 27/33 passes, three dribbles, and also making three tackles. Jesus made two key passes despite his 64% pass accuracy, completed three dribbles, and won two aerial duels despite his height disadvantage. Roberto Firmino also hovered dangerously near the opponent box.

Here is an interesting stat. 53, 53, 51. The number of touches for Coutinho, Firmino and Jesus respectively. What do we learn from it? That we workload was brilliantly shared by the three players. Everton however, exited at half time, with a mere 15 touches.

#1 Dani Alves' leadership

They don't make players like these anymore: Dani Alves

Dani Alves is 36 years of age. When Neymar was relieved off captaincy duties, the Selecao turned towards their veteran right back to sport the armband. The Brazilian captain who recently confirmed his exit from PSG was absolutely monstrous, putting a lot of teams on alert in case they fancy a free agent.

The first goal was created by Alves' brilliant move - a chip over the head of the midfielder, then dribbling and finding Firmino is space. Alves surged forward through the right-hand side with purpose, completing five dribbles and a mammoth 69/78 passes with 88% accuracy. He was outscored only Leandro Paredes.

In addition, Alves won three tackles and an aerial duel. Also, he made an interception and two clearances. His role off the ball, of commanding his defensive line and shouting at players is equally important.

If that wasn't enough, he took responsibility and kept 9% of his team's possession, nearly double to what his midfielders kept. In the process, he had a staggering amount of 111 touches of the ball, more than any other player by a huge huge margin. Not to mention, he completed all of his take-ons.

Ages like fine wine, doesn't he?