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Lucas Paqueta leads Brazil to 1-0 win over Peru in Copa America semifinal

The hosts are back in the title match to defend their Copa America crown.

By Chinmay Vaidya
Brazil v Peru - Copa America Brazil 2021: Semifinal
Lucas Paqueta of Brazil celebrates with teammates Neymar Jr. and Richarlison after scoring the first goal of his team during a semi-final match of Copa America Brazil 2021 between Brazil and Peru at Estadio Olímpico Nilton Santos on July 05, 2021 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images

Brazil will be able to defend its 2019 Copa America title.

Lucas Paqueta found the back of the net off an assist from Neymar for the game’s lone goal as Brazil edged Peru 1-0 to reach the Copa America 2021 final. The hosts were heavily favored to win the match, but had to break down Peru slowly before ultimately getting on the board.

Neymar made a brilliant individual move to draw the majority of Peru’s attention on the goal, allowing Paqueta to hit the ball on his first touch into a relatively open goal. Paqueta had a ton of space as well due to Neymar’s brilliance.

Peru withstood Brazil’s onslaught well for most of the game despite the loss. The hosts had 15 shots to Peru’s seven and managed to put eight on target, but only had one goal. Brazil’s finishing will need to be better if it meets Argentina, as the oddsmakers expect, in the Copa America final.

The title match will take place Saturday, July 10 at 8 p.m. ET.

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