Copa America 2019: 3 reasons why Brazil beat Peru

#2 Firmino shines in No.9 audition for the Samba Boys

Fiery Firmino starred with a goal and an assist

After a slightly underwhelming personal season for Firmino, the Copa America 2019 has emerged as a breath of fresh air for the Liverpool forward to step up and be counted. Firmino’s display against Bolivia in the opener was quiet, to say the least, however, his exquisite assist for Philippe Coutinho’s second goal was the moment of magic he was looking for to reignite his form.

The former Hoffenheim man did just that as he put Jurgen Klopp’s philosophy into practice by forcing an error out of the man in between the sticks. Gallese’s cavalier clearance was nothing short of appalling as it struck Firmino who dribbled past him with ease and tapped in a typical no-look finish.

Firmino turned creator in the 53rd minute as he threaded through an inch-perfect assist for Alves to further extend Brazil’s lead.

The multi-functional Firmino was extremely efficient on the ball, avoiding any elaborate skills and proved to be decisive in the final third when it mattered.

#3 Brazil put the game to bed early

Within 32 minutes of the tie that was initially considered a banana peel for Brazil, Tite’s men could manage to put their feet up, being 3 goals to the good.

The Samba Boys were at their clinical best as they scored out of half-chances and capitalized. None of the opportunities were clear-cut in the first 45 and Brazil’s desire combined with their no-nonsense attacking approach is what ultimately decided the tide of the tie.

Despite Brazil’s reputation of playing teams off the park to win games, it was their ruthlessness in front of goal which ensured that they did not have to bust a gut to claim the all-important victory.