Brazil to battle past Peru and win Copa America

The final of this years’ Copa America is upon us with hosts Brazil taking on the surprise package of Peru, in a mouth-watering encounter following the latters’ knockout stage giant killings. Having met earlier on in Group A, Tite and Ricardo Gareca will lock horns again in Peru’s first Copa America final appearance since winning the crown back in 1975. Brazil comfortably beat fierce rivals Argentina 2-0 in the semi-finals whereas Peru shocked the world in thrashing the holders Chile 3-0.

Recent form

The Green and Yellow will strive to win their ninth Copa America title on Sunday evening, and somehow getting to this stage without conceding a goal in the entire tournament. One of those clean sheets taking place in a 5-0 romping of Peru in the group stage which will give both sides a lot to think about heading into this one. They removed any doubts that were brewing after their poor performance in only beating Paraguay on penalties in the quarter-final in their victory over Argentina. Gabriel Jesus and Roberto Firmino getting the goals and accompanying assists in that win.

Peru have only beaten Brazil once in their last 19 meetings, however they will not mind the familiar underdog status, having conquered Uruguay and Chile on their route to the final keeping a clean sheet against both nations, a big shock for most football fans. They have recorded four shutouts in their last six matches without conceding a goal in the knockout stages thus far, coming up against two very good attacks and keeping quiet the likes of Luis Suarez, Edinson Cavani and Alexis Sanchez. Gareca’s men have given a spot kick away in three of their last four, though with two of those being missed, with the skillful players in the Brazilian attack and VAR in operation, it could happen again. Three of Peru’s last four have also seen a goal scored beyond the 90^th minute.

Outstanding rearguard

Some had written off Thiago Silva at the grand age of 34, but alongside Marquinhos he has been a revelation in every match, the pair have good experience with Paris Saint-Germain at club level and have transferred that into this tournament very effectively. Marquinhos was forced off in the semi-final after 64 minutes and swapped for Inter Milan’s Miranda, 34, but is expected to be fit in time to start the final. Peru’s main threat comes from wide areas and this could limit Dani Alves’ attacking game with a bang in-form Edison Flores expected to start wide left for the Peruvians. There is a fight for the left-back berth, with Filipe Luis having started every match up to the semi until an injury meant he was replaced by Juventus’ Alex Sandro, the winner of that battle with lineup opposite Benfica’s Andre Carrillo.

Peru will put in a much improved display than their group stage outing but will concede their first goal in the knockout stages, with Brazil having too much offensive quality, they will break them down eventually.

Brazil – Peru Betting Tip

Brazil to Lift the Trophy + Under 2.5 goals with 888sport at odds of 27/25.

Bet Brazil to Lift the Trophy + Under 2.5 goals on 888sport