Although Monday's Copa America semifinal seemed like a one-sided game, it quickly became a tight battle where Brazil won the final whistle to win 1-0 over Peru.It was not because Brazil sent a man off, but because Brazil had to defend with exhausted resources as it did against Chile in the quarterfinal. It was 11 against 11 at the end of Monday's match. Peru, which looked like they were playing with eight players in the first half, became so dominant after the break that Brazil was often within striking distance.Both coaches were left with plenty to think about and something to celebrate. Brazil boss Tite has three reasons for celebration: his team is in Saturday's final and they won't have to play on the terrible pitch at the Nilton Santos stadium again. The first half was just as good as any they have ever done in the tournament.- Watch ESPN FC Daily on ESPN+ (U.S. Only)Vickery: Argentina needs more Messi magic in order to win Copa finalAfter the disappointing performance against Chile, he made the expected changes and started with Lucas Paqueta in the midfield to add some depth. Brazil looked back at 2016-17 glory times, when Renato Augusto ruled the midfield with intelligence and elegance. Paqueta, the closest thing they have from Renato Augusto and his partnership was exceptional with Neymar.Brazil allowed Neymar free rein, Richarlison sometimes stepping into the centre-forward position and also playing a defensive role down the left flank. Everton Soares was on the right wing, opening up the pitch. Danilo, who was the full-back, performed cautiously, while Renan Lodi, left-back, was encouraged to move forward. Peru almost lost the game with Casemiro, Fred and others joining in with the attack. They were almost swept away by the attack, and only Pedro Gallese, their keeper, kept them alive. Richarlison sent Neymar down the left channel and beat two defenders. He then pulled back for Paqueta, who was able to judge the awkward bounce and guide him home.Peru set out to limit damage. They had three centre-backs, and four midfielders. Gianluca Lapadula was left isolated in a 5-4-1. What else could Ricardo Gareca do to help? He was taking a peashooter into a knife fight. It was difficult to imagine how Andre Carrillo could cause injury to the Brazilian defense. Although Gareca was easy to feel sorry, Gareca was not feeling the same. The coach made adjustments at the end of the game that changed the outcome, proving his remarkable work with the very limited resources he had to coach the Peru national team.Gareca's team always looks well-coordinated. They are skilled in short passes, drawing in opposition players and switching to the opposite flank. They are able to see what they are doing. Gareca was able to send out a team which surprisingly won the second half with just a few tweaks. He knew that the three centre-backs were unnecessary. He realized that the problem was higher up on the field and so he removed a defender to focus on disrupting the passing circuit between Paqueta and Neymar.Brazil was suddenly forced to return.The Copa semi began to look like a training match, but Peru became a tight battle that made Brazil grateful to have the whistle. Antonio Lacerda/EPAHalf-time saw Raziel Garcia come on and make an impact in the left midfield. A brilliant ball into space by Yoshimar Yotun allowed Lapadula to run at Thiago Slia, cut through him and force Ederson to make a fine save in the Brazilian goal.Tite must have been alarmed by this moment. He now needs to make a decision before Saturday's final. Eder Militao was always meant to be Marquinhos' partner in defense in next year's World Cup. Militao's recent performance for Real Madrid has helped accelerate that process. Will Militao make it to the final? Silva was defeated by Lapadula with relative ease -- Brazil has not been able press the same level of intensity when he played in this tournament. This was evident in the second match against Peru. Tite was very vocal in his exhortations to his team to play, but Peru played well enough without any press.Peru will return to action on Friday for the third-place playoff. This is a chance to give Garcia an extended chance and also to take a closer look at Marcos Lopez and Jhilmar Lora, young players who were all left off the Brazil bench. Lapadula, a 31-year-old Lapadula of Italian descent, is the only one who has made it into the starting lineup since Russia 2018. If they want to compete for a spot in Qatar next year then more renovation must take place.Brazil will wait for Saturday's decider to reveal who they will face. Neymar was clear as day that he preferred to face the opponent he faced.He said that he wanted Argentina, and outside Colombia, the weight is likely on his side.
