Copa America 2019: Argentina 0-2 Brazil

In what many opined to be a high voltage affair, arch-rivals Brazil and Argentina went toe to toe in the semi-finals of the Copa America 2019 at Belo Horizonte. Brazil marched into the finals of Copa America for the first time since 2007 with a convincing win over their bitter rivals. Tite's men have formed a more cohesive unit and they were more efficient in the final third, which led to their victory.

Although the Selecao were far from their scintillating best, goals from strikers Gabriel Jesus and Roberto Firmino helped Brazil ease past Argentina. Both Sergio Aguero and Lionel Messi were denied by the post and it was not to be their night as Tite's side romped home to a 2-0 win with a spirited showing to book their place in the finals.

Much of the first 45 minutes were dominated by the men in the yellow shirts as they took an early lead. Firmino provided a low ball into the box, which was superbly finished by the Manchester City striker. Just when it seemed that an equalizer is on the cards for the Albiceleste, Jesus came up with a breathtaking run and provided an unselfish pass to Firmino, confirming Brazil's victory.

Let us now have a look at the players who heavily impacted the game and the ones who didn't.

#5 Hit: Dani Alves

Brazil v Argentina: Semi Final - Copa America Brazil 2019

Dani Alves rolled back the years and led his side to the final with a stunning performance. The 36-year-old is not getting younger but he looked extremely fresh and hungry to deliver a stellar display.

Coming off after a run of injuries and poor form with Paris Saint-Germain, it was Alves who relentlessly pushed forward to help out the attackers. He caught the Argentine defense napping and provided the pass to Firmino, who went on to assist Jesus for the opener.

Brazil is still yet to concede in the tournament and Alves showed why. The likes of Acuna and Di Maria were unable to win the individual battles against the veteran right-back. Alves was rock solid at the back and his pinpoint passes during overlaps proved to be too difficult for the Albiceleste to handle.

#4 Flop: Marcos Acuna

With the likes of Angel Di Maria and Paulo Dybala failing to settle into the squad, Argentine coach Lionel Scaloni chose a relatively less popular name from the squad- Sporting CP star, Marcos Acuna. Devoid of big-game experience, the 27-year-old looked like a fish out of the water for the duration he was on the pitch.

Acuna was completely dominated by Brazil's veteran right-back, Dani Alves. The left-winger was unable to match the energy and intensity of Alves and he failed to gel well with the likes of Sergio Aguero and Lionel Messi in the attack. The Sporting CP winger was often pushed back due to Alves' thunderous runs on overlaps, one of which resulted in the opener.

Controlling the ball with effortless ease, Alves chipped the ball over Acuna around the 18th minute to find Firmino in space. Firmino did the rest and easily found Jesus in the box with a low cross. It goes without saying Acuna failed to recover from that and eventually, Di Maria replaced him in the second half.

#3 Hit: Roberto Firmino

Firmino played a pivotal role for Liverpool in their Champions League triumph and he showed his attacking prowess against Argentina at the Belo Horizonte. The striker was at his absolute best, providing one assist and scoring another against their arch-rivals to help his team into the finals.

Deployed as a second striker, Firmino quickly made his presence known by stringing a few passes together initially. Tite made the right decision to use the Liverpool star's ability to link-up with his teammates and it goes without saying that Firmino is forming a deadly partnership with Jesus upfront.

Firmino was a constant thorn in the life of Argentine defenders with his constant movements and link-up play. The Brazilian latched onto Dani Alves' pass before picking out Jesus with a tasty low cross, which eventually led to the opener.

A sensational run from his partner-in-crime opened up their opponent's defense late in the match and the Manchester City man was quick to find Firmino, who did the rest.

#2 Flop: Lionel Messi

If there is one player the Albiceleste would have been hoping for to turn up good on the night, it would be Lionel Messi. There is no doubt that the five-time Ballon d'Or winner could change the complexion of a match in a matter of seconds but he was far below his usual standards against their eternal rivals, Brazil.

The 32-year-old was kept quiet by the Brazilian center-back pairing and whenever Messi dropped deep to create an attack, Casemiro proved to be the thorn in his side. After enjoying another stellar individual campaign with Barcelona, Messi has failed to replicate his form with Argentina in the Copa America and the semi-final clash against Brazil was no different.

Messi came close to breaking the deadlock but he was denied by the post. Devoid of any chemistry, the 32-year-old found it extremely hard to link up with his teammates in the final third despite stringing passes with relative ease. Messi scored just one-goal throughout the tournament and it was another upsetting performance from the Argentine captain.

#1 Hit: Gabriel Jesus

There is no doubt that Gabriel Jesus was the main thorn in Argentina's quest and it was his stellar display which proved too hot to handle for the Albiceleste. Jesus was lively and extremely hungry upfront and arguably, it was his best performance for Brazil so far.

Jesus was causing problems from the start as his fast movements kept on welcoming tackles from the opposition. He was able to make a great off the ball run to get behind the Argentine defense and to anticipate Firmino's low cross into the box. The finish was deadly and there was no chance for the Argentine goalkeeper at all.

Jesus was not done yet and despite Argentina's momentary dominance early in the second half, the Manchester City forward seemed desperate to help the Selecao in counter-attacks. And his desire was fulfilled when he made a sensational run, leaving three Argentine defenders helpless before finally chipping in an easy assist to Firmino.

It goes without saying that when the Brazilian got into the groove, there was no stopping him. Argentina paid the price as they were on the receiving end of Jesus' sensational display.

Copa America 2019: Argentina 0-2 Brazil - Hits and Flops

#5 Hit: Dani Alves

#4 Flop: Marcos Acuna

#3 Hit: Roberto Firmino

#2 Flop: Lionel Messi

#1 Hit: Gabriel Jesus