Peru to be all bark but no bite against Brazil
Belated hosts Brazil and underdogs Peru meet in the semi-finals of Copa América 2021, where they will face off for the chance to meet either Argentina or Colombia on Saturday evening. Seleção didn't have things all their own way in a cagey contest against Chile, but ultimately came through it with a narrow victory. The side standing between them and yet another final had an epic six-goal encounter versus Paraguay, ultimately ending in a penalty shoot-out victory with both nations reduced to ten men apiece. Naturally, Tite's charges are a different proposition altogether, and this could prove the end of the road for La Blanquirroja. Read our preview here:
Quite a Paquetá
Brazil's path to playing their opponents from the 2019 final wasn't as straightforward as many had anticipated, a fact that was put into sharp focus by the inexcusable high kick by forward Gabriel Jesus during the Chile clash. Lucas Paquetá made an immediate impact from the bench at the start of the second half by scoring after two minutes of his entrance what would ultimately prove to be the winner, and should be rewarded for his efforts with a starting place in a reshuffled attacking midfield three behind Neymar. The 23 year-old Lyon star has continued his productive form that helped his club side reach next season's Europa League into the international arena, and has all the correct attributes to seriously worry Peru in both an attacking sense (including aerially), and with his propensity to recover possession in deeper areas of the pitch.
Weighs Yotún
The now suspended André Carrillo's strikes were vital in helping to take Peru this far into the competition, and the seasoned long-term national team head coach Ricardo Gareca will have to find another way to hurt their more vaunted adversaries. The versatile and streetwise Yotún will form a key component of a five-man midfield, deployed principally to ensure Brazil don't completely hog the ball in the middle third of the field. Gianluca Lapadula could cut a very isolated figure up front on his own if they're not careful. He is capable of performing well in that role with three goals to his name this summer, but is less likely to have as many opportunities fall his way in this encounter.
Jesus cannot please us
Brazil are much stronger defensively than in recent years, and have the personnel to more than make up for the loss of Jesus to suspension. Casumo have odds of 2.88 for Paquetá to score anytime in the regulation 90 minutes as his highly motivated understudy.
