Mueez Ajao
– 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.
– Star forward Neymar set up Lucas Paqueta to score the only goal as hosts Brazil beat Peru 1-0 on Monday to qualify for the Copa America final.
– The semifinal was a repeat of the last final, two years ago, when a Brazil team shorn of the injured Neymar also triumphed on home soil.
– The Selecao will play either Lionel Messi’s Argentina or Colombia, who meet in Brasilia on Wednesday, in Saturday’s final at Rio de Janeiro’s iconic Maracana Stadium.
– 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.
– Neymar could face former Barcelona teammate Lionel Messi in the final, with the six time Ballon d’Or winner still attempting to get his hands on his first piece of silverware with the national team.
– Messi was in brilliant form in his side’s quarter final against Ecuador last week, and had a hand in all three goals.
– The 34-year-old set up two of the goals and scored a brilliant free kick to take his tally at the tournament to four goals, leading the scoring charts.
– “I want Argentina. I’m supporting Argentina because I have friends there and Brazil will win the final,” said Neymar.
– “Paqueta is a great player, he’s getting better in every game and in every game with the national team,” he said about the 23-year-old match winner, who plays his club football for Lyon in France.
– “He’s just had a great season with his club and is showing that he can be a very important player for the Brazilian national team.”
– For Argentina to play in the final of the Copa America, they need more of Messi’s magic.
