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Brazil beat Peru 1-0 in Rio to advance to the finals of the Copa America. Lucas Paqueta scored the only goal of the game to secure the win for the Selecao.
Both teams endured a bright start to the game, but Brazil began imposing themselves after the initial jitters. Tite's team finally found a breakthrough when Neymar successfully skipped past three defenders to set up Paqueta to open the scoring. Brazil missed a couple of great chances to double their advantage as the teams went into half-time at 1-0.
Peru started the second half with tenacity in search of an equalizer. Gianluca Lapadula came close to scoring but Ederson did well to take charge of the situation. Aside from that effort, Brazil never looked like conceding.
Brazil are gunning for their tenth Copa America title and now await the winner of the second semi-final clash between Colombia and Argentina. The two teams will contest the final at the Maracana on July 10.
On that note, let's have a look at the five hits and flops in the match:
#5 Hit: Casemiro (Brazil)
Casemiro had a solid game in the center of the park. The Real Madrid star did all the dirty work for his side and neutralized every Peruvian attack that came his way.
He sat deep and orchestrated play from center and completed the most number of passes (60) in the game against Peru. Casemiro also made 12 recoveries, won six duels and made three clearances. Additionally, the 29-year-old intercepted the ball five times and created one chance for Brazil throughout the game. It was an all-round performance from one of the best holding midfielders in the modern game.
#4. Flop: Gianluca Lapadula, Peru
Gianluca Lapadula enjoyed a decent run of form in the Copa America 2021. He scored two goals and set up one in five fixtures ahead of the semi-final. Lapadula was Peru's main man up-front and the burden of carrying his country's attack fell on his shoulders. But unfortunately, he could not produce the goods against Brazil.
The 31-year-old struggled against Brazil for the entirety of the game. The duo of Casemiro and Marquinhos ensured they did not allow him any room to weave his magic.
Lapadula could only register just one shot on target as he never really threatened Ederson. Moreover, the Benevento striker lost eleven duels throughout the game against Brazil in a disappointing performance.
#3. Hit: Lucas Paqueta, Brazil
Lucas Paqueta has had a dream run for Brazil in the Copa America 2021 so far. The 23-year-old scored the winner for Brazil yet again after leaving his mark in the quarterfinal against Chile.
Paqueta scored the only goal of the game to secure a berth for Brazil in the finals of the Copa America 2021. The Lyon midfielder engaged well with the Peruvian back-line and was a constant threat up-front.
Paqueta won ten duels, made six recoveries, won four tackles and created three chances for Brazil throughout the game. It was a terrific, all-round performance from the youngster.
#2. Flop: Aldo Corzo, Peru
Aldo Corzo endured a difficult night against the defending champions. The 32-year-old failed to assert his authority on the game and was repeatedly tormented by the likes of Neymar, Richarlison, Renan Lodi and Fred down the left flank.
Corzo struggled defensively and offered little going forward as well. The Brazilians allowed him no space to create something from the wings. Defensively, the pacy attacks and one-touch passing from the Selecao players left him completely dumbfounded at times.
Corzo lost five duels against Brazil throughout the game. Ricardo Gareca eventually subbed him off in the 75th minute of the game in favor of Carlos Lora.
#1. Hit: Neymar, Brazil
Neymar was Brazil's star yet again. The Paris Saint-Germain talisman set up Paqueta after some brilliant work inside the box and threatened to pull clear every time he had the ball at his feet. His link-up play with Paqueta and Richarlison higher up the pitch was mesmerizing.
Neymar was everywhere for Brazil. Neymar dropped deep on numerous occasions to receive the ball. He eased up the transitions from defense to attack and looked really sharp on the counters. Neymar really lit up the stage with his dazzling skills.
The 29-year-old won ten duels, completed five dribbles and recovered possession seven times against Peru. Additionally, he created three chances and eventually got the game-clinching assist. Brazil will hope that he continues his red-hot form and can guide them to their 10th Copa America title.
