Brazil vs Peru - 5 key battles | Copa America 2021 semi-final

#3 Lucas Paqueta (Brazil) vs Renato Tapia (Peru)

Lucas Paqueta (right)

Brazil's Lucas Paqueta came to Copa America 2021 on the back of an excellent season with Ligue 1 side Lyon, for whom he made 27 league starts, scoring nine goals and providing five assists from midfield.

However, the 23-year-old has not been a consistent starter for Brazil at the tournament. But he could come into the XI against Peru to provide some creativity and spark from the centre of the park.

45’: Lucas Paqueta subs on46’: Lucas Paqueta scores48’: Gabriel Jesus is sent offAn eventful start to the second half for Brazil 😬 pic.twitter.com/C55NmKaCcO

— B/R Football (@brfootball) July 3, 2021

If that is indeed the case, it will be Renato Tapia's job to keep an eye on Paqueta. Unlike the Brazilian, Tapia has been a key presence in the Peru first XI at Copa America 2021. He has been linked with the likes of Real Madrid and Liverpool after a fine debut season in La Liga with Celta Vigo.

The 25-year-old is a defensive midfielder renowned for his tackling. He has already garnered 61 caps for Peru. It will be interesting to see how Brazil approach this midfield battle.

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#2 Gabriel Barbosa (Brazil) vs Christian Ramos (Peru)

Gabriel Barbosa

With Gabriel Jesus suspended, Gabriel Barbosa could be handed a start against Peru in the semi-final of Copa America 2021.

European football fans might remember Barbosa from his spell with Inter Milan, where the 24-year-old did not enjoy the best of times, though. However, 'Gabigol', as he is affectionately known as, has been sensational since returning to Brazil and has scored goals at an excellent rate for Flamengo.

Meanwhile, Christian Ramos is a veteran centre-back who has played for Allianz Lima, Veracruz and Al-Nassr; he currently plays for Universidad Cesar Vallejo. The 32-year-old has been a constant presence at Copa America 2021 for his country and will have the unenviable task of dealing with the likes of Neymar, Barbosa and Richarlison.

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#1 Neymar (Brazil) vs Aldo Corzo (Peru)

Neymar

If Gabriel Barbosa does start, Neymar could be shifted to the left-wing role, which would mean the PSG star facing Peruvian right-back Aldo Corzo.

Regarded as one of the best players in the world, Neymar has been world-class for Brazil at Copa America 2021. The Paris Saint-Germain attacker has scored two goals and provided as many assists for his country at the tournament and is a superstar for both club and country.

Most goal involvements in the Copa America:Messi: 8Next highest (Neymar): 434 years old. ✨ pic.twitter.com/Rb9SOQiXcu

— B/R Football (@brfootball) July 4, 2021

Aldo Corzo, meanwhile, has been the first-choice right-back for Peru at Copa America 2021. The Universitario defender has done well so far, but Neymar is unlike any player Corzo would have faced at the tournament.

The 32-year-old is highly experienced and has won 36 caps for Peru, but it could prove to be a long evening for Corzo if Neymar gets into his rhythm.

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