Copa America 2021: Brazil beat Peru 1-0 thanks to Lucas Paqueta's first-half goal

Last update on.From section FootballLucas Paqueta, the Copa America champions Brazil, reached the final by sending a first-half win against Peru to Lucas Paqueta at the Nilton Santos Stadium.Neymar defeated three defenders to the left, before crossing for Paqueta's goal.Brazil, the host of the Copa America tournament in the past, will face Argentina or Colombia in Saturday’s final at Maracana.Neymar declared, "I want Argentina. I am cheering them up.""I have friends there, and in Brazil's final Brazil will win."Paris St-Germain forward Neymar was bright for Brazil as they edged Peru in the 2019 final to lift their ninth trophy.Peru goalkeeper Pedro Gallese made an excellent double save from point blank range to deny Neymar & Richarlison in the first half.In the 34th minute, Neymar's cleverness and ability to find Paqueta using a perfectly placed pass, surrounded by Peruvian defenses on the left, proved decisive.Peru tried to equalize in the second half, Gianluca Lapadula testing Ederson hard, but it was not enough.