Brilliant Neymar assist sends Brazil to Copa America final
Río de Janeiro, Brazil, July 5 (EFE).- Brazil, the favorite and host of the Copa America, defeated Peru 1-0 at the Nilton Santos Stadium in Río de Janeiro on Monday to reach the final of the tournament thanks to some excellent play by its superstar forward, Neymar.
Brazil’s clearest opportunity to score came within the first 20 minutes of the game but Peruvian goalkeeper Pedro Gallese made two fine point-blank saves in succession from Neymar and Richarlison to deny the hosts a lead.
La Canarinha broke through in the 34th minute when Lucas Paquetá scored his team’s only goal of the game off some brilliant footwork by Neymar, who beat three defenders to clip the ball to Paquetá, who made no mistake in finding the back of the net.
Brazil will play the final at the historic Maracana Stadium on Saturday with the winner of Tuesday’s other semifinal between Argentina and Colombia. EFE
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