'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,/9j/2wBDAAYEBQYFBAYGBQYHBwYIChAKCgkJChQODwwQFxQYGBcUFhYaHSUfGhsjHBYWICwgIyYnKSopGR8tMC0oMCUoKSj/2wBDAQcHBwoIChMKChMoGhYaKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCj/wgARCAAHAAoDASIAAhEBAxEB/8QAFQABAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAwX/2gAIAQEAAAAAmF//xAAUAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAE/9oACAECEAAAABf/xAAUAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAD/9oACAEDEAAAAF//xAAiEAACAgAEBwAAAAAAAAAAAAABAgMEAAUREgYHFBUxUnP/2gAIAQEAAT8AyngavVr2aPdn6CJNwKRbXM+pV9R6+MPy3hLsWuEn5KMf/8QAGhEAAQUBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQACAxESBP/aAAgBAgEBPwDglfLvZuiv/8QAFxEAAwEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAERA//aAAgBAwEBPwDZJSH/2Q=='%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Brazil will face Peru in the semi-final of Copa America 2021, with Argentina playing Colombia in the other last-four game.
Against Peru in their second group game of Copa America 2021, Brazil enjoyed a convincing 4-0 win. Peru will hope for a better result this time, having done well to reach this stage of the competition.
Meanwhile, Tite's side have extraordinary talent at their disposal, including the likes of Neymar, Gabriel Barbosa, Richarlison and Roberto Firmino. However, Peru should not be taken lightly, as they have the wherewithal to create problems against the defending champions.
On that note, let's take a look at the five key battles between the two teams that could be pivotal in the outcome of this game.
#5 Eder Militao (Brazil) vs Gianluca Lapadula (Peru)
Eder Militao has enjoyed an impressive Copa America 2021 campaign but did not start for Brazil in the quarter-final against Chile.
Brazil manager Tite has rotated between Militao, Marquinhos and Thiago Silva at Copa America 2021 so far, but the former could be given a chance against Peru. If that happens, the Real Madrid centre-back will have to be wary of Peru's Gianluca Lapadula, who has led the line well for his nation so far.
Born in Italy, Lapadula has featured for the likes of Parma, AC Milan and Genoa before and currently plays for Benevento. The 31-year-old has scored three goals for Peru at Copa America 2021 and is a rugged operator who can create problems in the opposition defence.
Militao will likely start for Real Madrid next season at centre-back, with Sergio Ramos departing the club and Raphael Varane heavily linked with a move away. His credentials could be tested by Peru and Lapadula at Copa America 2021, though.
Also Read: Euro 2020: 5 young players who could become household names after the tournament.
#4 Richarlison (Brazil) vs Miguel Trauco (Peru)
Miguel Trauco has started the last few games at Copa America 2021 at left-back for Peru, and he is likely to keep his place against Brazil.
Richarlison, meanwhile, has featured heavily for Brazil throughout the tournament. The forward did not enjoy the best of seasons with Everton, but he is clearly rated highly by Brazil boss Tite.
The 24-year-old has predominantly operated on the left wing or as a striker at Copa America 2021. But it would not be surprising to see him start as a right winger against Peru.
Trauco, who plays for Ligue 1 side Saint-Etienne, will have a tough job on his hands if he has to deal with Richarlison.
Richarlison boasts good pace and technical ability and could cause serious problems for Peru on the wings. Meanwhile, the 28-year old Trauco is an experienced campaigner who will have to do his homework well.
Also Read: Fabrizio Romano's Transfer Roundup: Updates on Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi's futures, Arsenal active in the transfer market, and more.
#3 Lucas Paqueta (Brazil) vs Renato Tapia (Peru)
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.
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.
#2 Gabriel Barbosa (Brazil) vs Christian Ramos (Peru)
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.
#1 Neymar (Brazil) vs Aldo Corzo (Peru)
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.
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.
Also Read: Argentina vs Colombia prediction, preview, team news, and more | Copa America 2021 semi-final.
