Brazil beat Peru to earn a spot in the Copa America final

Brazil beat Peru to earn a spot in the Copa America final - Match highlights

Man of the match Neymar tries to beat two Peru players during Brazil 1-0 win over Peru in the Copa America semi-finals (Photo credit: @CopaAmerica)

Lucas Paqueta scored a first-half winner to send defending champions Brazil into the Copa America final at the Nilton Santos Stadium.

On the left, Neymar beat three players before crossing for Paqueta to score the only goal in the semi-final.

In Saturday's final at the Maracana, Brazil, who have won the Copa America every time they have hosted the tournament, will face either Argentina or Colombia.

"I want Argentina, I am cheering them on," Neymar stated.

"I have friends there and in the final Brazil will win."

Neymar was a bright spot for Brazil as they beat Peru and he was voted the man of the match.

NEY JÁ ESTÁ ACOSTUMADO! 🎩
Neymar foi o melhor Jogador da Partida 🥇#VibraOContinente #CopaAmérica pic.twitter.com/0LBShTiRNm

— Copa América (@CopaAmerica) July 6, 2021

Early on, Peru goalkeeper Pedro Gallese produced two excellent point-blank saves to deny Neymar and Richarlison.

In the 34th minute, Neymar's skill and ability to locate Paqueta with a perfectly placed pass when surrounded by Peruvian defenders on the left proved vital.

Peru pushed for an equaliser in the second half, with Gianluca Lapadula putting a thunderous effort past Ederson, but they were unable to equalize against the hosts.

Brazil 1-0 Peru: Watch the full match highlights