Brazil reached the Copa America final after a first-half goal from Lucas Paqueta — his second in two games — gave them a 1-0 win over Peru on Monday.
“I want Argentina in the final,” Neymar said after the match at the Nilton Santos Stadium in Rio de Janeiro. “I am cheering for them because I have many friends there. In the final, Brazil will win,” he added, laughing.
Argentina and Colombia will play the other semifinal on Tuesday. Only Lionel Messi’s team can match Brazil’s campaign so far with five wins in six Copa America matches.
Neymar made the difference on the bumpy pitch of the Nilton Santos Stadium in Rio de Janeiro. The only goal of the match came in the 34th minute after he tricked defender Alexander Callens on the left edge of the box and assisted Lucas Paquetá, who just pushed the ball to the back of the net.
Brazil gave the impression it could score when it wanted against Peru, a team the Selecao had beaten 4-0 in the group stage of the tournament. But the second half was very different, with Gianluca Lapadula forcing goalkeeper Ederson to make a key save in the 49th minute after a cross. Brazil still had opportunities, but continued to waste counter-attacks.
Two years ago Brazil won the title without injured Neymar in a 3-1 win over Peru. Next Saturday’s final, which will be played in front of no fans due to the Covid-19 pandemic, promises to be more challenging.
Peru will play on Friday in the third-place playoff against the loser of Tuesday’s semifinal. Coach Ricardo Gareca said he is hopeful after his team’s performances at Copa America.
Meanwhile, Brazil will play to prove it is the team to beat in South America and one of the favorites for the World Cup in Qatar next year.