Brazil vs Peru

A place in the Copa America 2021 final is at stake as Brazil and Peru go head-to-head in an exciting semi-final showpiece at the Estadio Olimpico Nilton Santos.

Brazil managed to preserve a 1-0 lead against Chile despite being a man down for almost the entire second half in their quarter-final showdown to secure their second Copa America semi-final appearance for the first time since 2007. After beating Argentina 2-0 in the semi-finals during their triumphant 2019 Copa America campaign, the Brazilians are looking to win back-to-back Copa America semis within regulation time for the first time in the 21st century. There must be plenty of confidence in the ‘Seleção’ camp coming into this clash, considering Brazil’s resounding H2H record against Peru at the continental tournament (GP20 – W14, D3, L3). Additionally, Tite’s men have put four goals apiece past the Peruvians across their last two competitive meetings (W2), with six of their eight goals scored in those encounters coming in the second half of play.

In the meantime, ‘Los Incas’ dropped a 2-1 half-time lead against Peru to draw 3-3 within regulation time of their quarter-final clash but prevailed in a nerve-shredding penalty shoot-out to give themselves a chance of inflicting revenge on Brazil for a 3-1 loss in the Copa America 2019 final. That might be easier said than done, knowing that each of Peru’s three Copa America defeats since the start of July 2015 came at the hands of the Brazilians, including a 4-0 hammering in this edition’s group stage. Also, this will be the Peruvians’ fourth Copa America semi-finals appearance in the 21st century, with ‘La Blanquirroja’ bowing out twice across their previous three attempts. One bright spot has been Peru’s impressive recent scoring return, with Ricardo Gareca’s side netting 2+ goals in three of their last four Copa America outings.