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Brazil were back at their very best as they crushed Peru to reach the knockout stages of Copa America 2019. An inspired first-half showing saw Brazil thrash Peru by 5-0, which ensured that the Selecao finish at the top spot in their group. Three of their goals came in the first half while they added to their opponent's misery in the second, resulting in a huge win.
Five of Brazil's goals came from five different players which showed their unity and efficiency in front of goal. Their team chemistry was also commendable as they displayed their best performance in the tournament so far.
The host nation dominated their opponents from the very start and went ahead after 12 minutes when Casemiro headed home the opener. Roberto Firmino increased their lead seven minutes later before Everton ended up adding one more before the half-time.
Despite Peru's best efforts, their defense were no match for the cohesive Brazil side. Their rearguard was not organized and they paid for their mistakes. Brazil added two more goals in the second half as Dani Alves and Willian put their names on the scoresheet. They are set to play one of the two third-placed teams, which includes an encounter with Argentina, at the Gremio Arena on Thursday.
On the other hand, Peru will hope that their goal difference will be enough to help them qualify as one of the third-placed teams. They will have to bank on the results of the remaining group stage fixtures to ensure their qualification into the knockout stages. With all of that in mind, here's a look at hits and flops from the match.
#4 Hit: Roberto Firmino
Brazil striker Roberto Firmino enjoyed a memorable performance against Peru. The Liverpool forward scored a sensational 'no-look' goal to double the lead for the host nation. The Peru keeper made a poor clearance which came off Firmino's back and hit the post before the striker put the ball into the net.
Barring the goal, Firmino showed why he is essential to Brazil's setup. He was a constant threat in the final third and is much better at link-ups than the likes of Gabriel Jesus. Firmino's intelligence and off the ball movements in the final third continuously caused problems for Peru's rearguard.
It is crystal clear that Firmino is a pivotal part of Tite's plans, courtesy his mature and clinical performances.
#3 Flop: Luis Abram
Peru center-back Abram was one of the worst players on the field against Brazil. The defender was clueless while matching the Brazil forwards and he was also not able to anticipate the movement of Brazil players in the final third.
The 23-year-old lacked the experience to perform against Brazil at the biggest stages and the Selecao clearly exploited the weakness of Abram in their latest match. Abram was left helpless as Brazil piled on goals in both the halves. He also left loads of space in Peru's defense and the Selecao forwards were able to exploit his weakness.
It goes without saying that the young center-back needs to improve a lot to match the world-class forwards. Abram needs to improve his pace and his ability to be calm under pressure. He clearly failed to deliver the goods and lacked the abilities to give a strong fight to his opponents.
#2 Hit: Philippe Coutinho
Unlike his recently concluded campaign with Barcelona, Philippe Coutinho is enjoying a superb start in the Selecao's Copa America competition. Being the most expensive signing in the Blaugrana history, Coutinho's performances throughout the season were underwhelming and he got his fair share of criticisms from pundits and critics alike.
But the Brazilian star looks back to his very best when deployed as an attacking midfielder. Coutinho operates just behind the striker and the 27-year-old was pulling all the strings In Brazil's huge win. Despite not finding his name on the scoresheet, Coutinho continued his rich vein of form with another solid performance.
Coutinho was instrumental in creating spaces for the Selecao in the final third and opponent defenders had a hard time coping with his intelligence. Coutinho also picked out his fellow teammates well with pinpoint passes and dictated the pace of the game at his natural position.
#1 Flop: Pedro Gallese
The Peru goalkeeper had one of the most forgettable nights of his career as Brazil smashed five goals past him. Gallese was far from his best and he looked devoid of any confidence in Peru's clash with the host nation. He endured a goal-fest from the Brazilian forwards who were clearly enjoying their dominance on the pitch.
Gallese played a huge part in Brazil's second goal which came just seven minutes after the opener. The goalkeeper almost gift wrapped the goal as he made a poor clearance which left Roberto Firmino clear. The Liverpool star made no mistake and kept a calm head to double the lead in the 19th minute of the game.
The error proved vital as the second goal killed Peru's hopes of mounting a comeback. The mistake also dropped the confidence level of Gallese and there was no looking back as he conceded goal after goal till the dying minutes of the game.
