Brazil reach Copa America final after narrow win over Peru

Brazil have booked their place in the final of the 2021 Copa America courtesy of a 1-0 win over Peru on Tuesday.

Lucas Paqueta scored the game's only goal ten minutes before half time, profiting from a superb piece of play on the left wing from Neymar.

Despite a spirited effort from Peru, the result never really looked in doubt once the Selecao had taken the lead. The Incas' best chance of the game fell the way of Benevento forward Gianluca Lapadula, but having chopped inside, his effort was safely palmed away from danger by Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson.

That enabled Tite's side to keep another clean sheet, which has been the main foundation of Brazil's success at this summer's tournament. They have played six games so far, scoring 12 times, but crucially have conceded just twice.

Victory means they progress through to the final of the competition where they'll play either Argentina or Colombia on 10 July at the Maracana.

While many would expect Brazil to favour a game against Colombia, Neymar has instead suggested that he wants Argentina to come through their semi-final - giving him chance to come face-to-face with some old friends including former teammate Lionel Messi.

Now out of contract at Barcelona, he's aiming to reach his fourth Copa America final, having previously appeared in the showpiece event in 2007, 2015 and 2016. To date, Messi is yet to be successful.

As for Brazil, they tasted Copa America success at the last edition of the competition back in 2019, and now have the chance to retain their title. Should they be successful, they'll move on to ten competition wins in total - only Uruguay (15) and Argentina (14) have won more.