Brazil will face either Colombia or Argentina in the Copa America final at the Maracana on July 10. Peru are next in action against Uruguay in their World Cup qualifying campaign on September 1.

Brazil advance to the Copa America final courtesy of a 1-0 victory over Peru in their semi-final clash at the Estadio Nilton Santos. 

Lucas Paqueta scored the only goal of the game as he converted Neymar's cutback from close range after fine work from the forward in the box. 

Ricardo Gareca's men put the Selecao under pressure in the second half, but lacked the clinical edge to find an equaliser. Tite's side can now dream of back-to-back Copa America crowns when they play at the Maracana on July 10.

Many Brazil players didn’t want to take part in the Copa America tournament. After the Selecao advanced to the final with a 1-0 win over Peru on Monday, some players said they hoped to see their archrivals on Saturday at the Maracana Stadium.

“I want Argentina in the final,” Neymar said after the match at the Nilton Santos Stadium in Rio de Janeiro. “I am cheering for them because I have many friends there. In the final, Brazil will win.”

Argentina and Colombia will play the other semifinal on Tuesday.

Neymar made the difference on the bumpy pitch of the Nilton Santos Stadium in Rio de Janeiro. The only goal of the match came in the 34th minute after he tricked defender Alexander Callens on the left edge of the box and assisted Lucas Paquetá, who just pushed the ball to the back of the net.

Two years ago Brazil won the title without injured Neymar in a 3-1 win over Peru. Next Saturday’s final, which will be played in front of no fans due to the COVID-19 pandemic, promises to be more challenging.

Source: Goal.com, The Hindu

BDST: 1212 HRS, JUL 06, 2021
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