Brazil will play Peru in the first semi-final of Copa America 2021.
Venue: Olympic Stadium
Key Statistics
- Brazil have maintained a perfect record in Copa America, winning all of their five games so far.
- Peru were also impressive in the tournament, losing only one game while winning three.
- Brazilian star Neymar is currently second in the goals and assists charts – 2 goals and 2 assists. Peruvian striker Gianluca Lapadula has also scored two goals.
Head to Head
Brazil had the edge in head-to-head record, winning 35 of the 49 they had played with Peru. In 5 occasions, Peru won. Brazil scored 109 goals against 34 by Peru.
Their recent meeting happened in this year’s Copa America group stage, where Brazil stood tall with a 4-0 win.
Recent Performance (without Penalty shootout)
Brazil – W-W-W-W-D-W (Goals for 13 ; Goals against 2)
Peru – W-L-W-D-W-D ( Goals for 10 ; Goals against 11)
Brazil
Brazil have been immaculate in this edition’s Copa America, and their unbeaten run indicates that they are favourites for the title for the second time in a row.
La Selecao looked vulnerable in their quarter-final fixture against Chile after Gabriel Jesus saw an early red. However, they managed to scrape a 1-1 win.
Neymar will once again be pivotal in attack, and Brazilians are expected to benefit from his scintillating form, racking up 2 goals and 2 assists thus far.
Tite’s side are a well-drilled unit, and their bench strength is also an added advantage. Having thrashed Peru 4-0 in the group stage, Brazil would look to replicate a similar result in the semi-finals.
Possible line-ups (Brazil)
Alisson Becker; Danilo, Eder Militao, Marquinhos, Alex Sandro; Casemiro, Lucas Paquetá; Roberto Firmino, Richarlison, Neymar; Gabigol
Peru
Peru are emerging as the unlikely heroes of the tournament, and they have suffered only one defeat thus far.
They booked their place in the semi-finals after edging out Paraguay through penalties in a thrilling contest.
The spotlight will be on striker Gianluca Lapadula, who has netted two goals so far and is also coming off an impressive season in Serie A with Benevento.
Peru, who are currently brimming with confidence, will look to take the underdog status to their advantage and exact revenge against the host nations for their heavy defeat in the group fixture.
Possible line-ups (Peru)
Pedro Gallese; Miguel Trauco, Alexander Callens, Christian Ramos, Aldo Corzo; Yoshimar Yotun, Renato Tapia; Christian Cueva, Sergio Pena, Santiago Ormeño; Gianluca Lapadula
Probability
Brazil : Draw : Peru :: 79% : 15% : 6% (in 90 minutes)
Prediction
Brazil 3-1 Peru
