Brazil’s impressive 2-0 semi-final victory over Argentina has them within grasp of a ninth Copa América (CA) title – considering they are yet to concede a goal in this tournament, and thumped opponents Peru 5-0 during the group stage, their favorites tag is justified.
The footballing giants can be frustrated though, and failed to score within 90 minutes in two of their five CA matches so far – albeit those were the only games that they failed to find the net since the beginning of 2018. Defensively astute, Brazil also conceded only five times across that period, with four of those goals arriving before half-time.
Peru makes their first final appearance since they won the CA back in 1975, but with just one victory over Brazil across the last 19 competitive H2Hs (W1, D5, L13), they are underdogs for a reason. Yet they did defy the odds in both the quarter and semi-finals and have registered a clean sheet in four of their last six competitive fixtures.
Defensive slip-ups will have to be at a minimum though if Peru is to keep a clean sheet here, and the fact they’ve conceded a penalty in three of their last four CA fixtures – albeit two were missed – will concern boss Ricardo Gareca.
Players to watch: Gabriel Jesus scored Brazil’s semi-final opener and has netted the opening goal in five of the last seven international games he’s scored in.
Edison Flores scored Peru’s semi-final opener and has been his nation’s first or last scorer in the previous nine fixtures he’s scored in.
Stat attack: There have been over 2.5 goals in Brazil’s last four CA final appearances, with at least two first-half goals in each.
Three of Peru’s last four CA matches involved a goal on the 90th minute or later.
Both teams have scored in just one of the last six H2Hs.
Match Information
Referee: Tobar Vargas R. (Chi),
Venue: Maracanã (Rio de Janeiro)
LIVE STREAMING BRAZIL VS PERU 8.7.2019