Lucas Paqueta did it again. Brazil's super substitute, who scored the winner in the quarterfinals against Chile, earned the start against Peru in the semifinals of the Copa America on Monday and delivered the only goal in a 1-0 victory.
It was yet another performance from Brazil where they were wasteful in front of goal as Peru's Pedro Gallese made seven fine saves, but it was more than enough to advance. Peru registered just two shots on goal and gave Ederson little to worry about, aside from a second-half header from Alexander Callens.
Brazil went all "joga bonito" on their opponents in this one, producing numerous highlight-reel skill moves, mostly performed by Neymar. The PSG superstar even pulled off the skill moves on the lone goal, beating a crowd of defenders with a nutmeg before setting up Paqueta's winner. Take a look:
In the end, Brazil manager Tite will be satisfied with the result, but he will surely want to see a more convincing team in the final and not let whoever they face hang around. With three straight games where they failed to score multiple goals, Argentina or Colombia should give them a tougher test than Peru did.
But that Brazil defense continues to let very little get by them, remaining composed for the most part and playing with a mixture of aggression and caution. No matter who they play, Brazil will still be the favorite to win the Copa America, making it back-to-back titles after taking home the trophy in 2019.
Argentina face Colombia on Tuesday night, and final is set for Saturday at 8 p.m. ET.
Brazil are through! Again, it's not convincing, but it's enough! 1-0 with Paqueta getting the winning goal. Now will it be Argentina or Colombia? Those two play on Tuesday.
There was flair, there were chances, and again the Brazil defense was strong. They'll take it, and now they could be 90 minutes away from even more cup glory.
Callens with a great chance off a header, but he misses the goal! Ederson was beat as a fine cross comes in, but the accuracy is off. That was a sensational chance.
Neymar with some more incredible flair, pulling off a stepover nutmeg before going down and winning a solid set piece. 13 minutes to go. A goal from Brazil kills this off.
It's much better from Peru earlier in the second half. They've had a couple good looks and seem likely to get another couple as they possess the ball well and are being patient.
It's almost 1-1! Lapadula cuts inside and fires on frame, but Ederson saves it well!
1-0 at the break to Brazil. Peru still in it, but they are showing very little in attack.
1-0 to Brazil! Paqueta! The hero from the quarterfinals has his team up again! Just poor defending from Peru, Neymar has his way, and it ends up to Paqueta, who finishes from inside the box!
Gallese!!!! A crazy double save!!!!!! He denies Neymar and Richarlison, both from the six-yard box!!!
69 percent possession for Brazil for the first 15 minutes. Peru are just trying to defend and go on the counter, as expected.
First real good chance comes from Brazil on a powerful free kick from Casemiro that Gallese does well on, but forces him to make another save on a rebound.
Underway!!!
No Andre Carrillo for Peru and no Gabriel Jesus for Brazil, both as a result of receiving a red card in the quarterfinals. Certainly a bigger blow for the Peruvians, who lose speedy and technical ability on the wings.
Brazil: The 1-0 win over Chile was an uncomfortable one, and Brazil were a tad fortunate to not see that game go to penalty kicks considering playing most of the second half a man down. They'll hope that type of match is out of their system now when they face heavy underdogs Peru. No Gabriel Jesus due to suspension shouldn't make that much of a difference. Expect more minutes from Lucas Paqueta after his winning goal as he continues to look sharp in combining with Neymar.
Peru: Andre Carrillo's red card in the quarterfinals against Paraguay may loom huge here. The speedy winger has been one of the team's best players for a while now, and losing his quality in attack will prove difficult in breaking down Brazil from the wings. As a result, more pressure will fall on Gianluca Lapadula, with the Italy-born Peruvian international having two goals in seven games for the national team in 2021.
Peru XI
BRAZIL XI
Welcome to the CBS Sports live blog of the Copa America! It's Brazil vs. Peru in the first semifinal, with a spot in Saturday's title game on the line!
