Rio de Janeiro, July 7 (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 8th Jul, 2019 ) :Brazil coach Tite and Peru counterpart Ricardo Gareca made no changes to their teams for Sunday's Copa America final at Rio de Janeiro's Maracana stadium.

Both aligned the exact same starting XI line-ups that played in the semi-finals earlier in the week.

It means Everton, Roberto Firmino and Gabriel Jesus remain up front for hosts Brazil, while Peru's veteran captain Palo Guerrero leads the line for his side.

Brazil are looking to win a ninth Copa title and their first major trophy in 12 years.

Peru are aiming for only their third Copa success, having last triumphed in 1975.

Brazil beat arch-rivals Argentina 2-0 in the semi-finals while Peru shocked the outgoing champions Chile 3-0. </s> Brazil has its sights set on becoming South American champions for the ninth time, while Peru hopes to claim its third continental title, when the two nations meet in the 2019 Copa America final in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Sunday (4 p.m. ET).

The host nation is yet to concede a goal this tournament and has outscored opponents by a combined margin of 10-0, including a 5-0 thrashing of this same Peru side during the group stage.

The degree to which Peru beating Brazil in the final, in Rio, would be an upset is almost incomprehensible. The Selecao has won its last four final appearances, dating back to 1997, while Peru hasn’t appeared in a final since last winning it in 1975.

Watch game live online in Spanish via Telemundo Deportes and via the NBCSports App. All you have to do is click on the link above. </s> RIO DE JANEIRO >> Host Brazil defeated Peru 3-1 today to win its first Copa América title since 2007.

Everton, Gabriel Jesus and Richarlison scored a goal each to give Brazil its ninth South American championship at a packed Maracanã Stadium.

Peru scored through Paolo Guerrero but couldn’t pull off one last upset after eliminating Uruguay in the quarterfinals and two-time defending champion Chile in the semifinals.

Brazil, playing the tournament without the injured Neymar, was with 10 men from the 70th minute because Gabriel Jesus was sent off with a second yellow card.

Neymar and his son sat close to Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro among the crowd of nearly 70,000 at the Maracanã.

Brazil has won the Copa América all five times it hosted the tournament.

Peru, which had been routed 5-0 by Brazil in the group stage and barely escaped early elimination, was trying to win its first Copa América trophy in 44 years. It hadn’t made it to the final since it won its second South American title in 1975.

The victory helped Brazil to regain some of the fans’ confidence following the team’s elimination in the quarterfinals of the 2018 World Cup in Russia. It will also ease some of the pressure on coach Tite, who had been criticized for his selections and the team’s lackluster performances.

Brazil hadn’t made it past the quarterfinals of the Copa América since beating Argentina 3-0 in the 2007 final in Venezuela. It didn’t even get past the group stage in 2016.

The last time it won the Copa América at home had been in 1989, when Romário scored the winner against Uruguay at the Maracanã.

Brazil’s only other title since 2007 came in the 2013 Confederations Cup, also at home.

It was an even match from the start, with Brazil not being able to press too much despite being urged on by most of the crowd at the Maracanã.

Everton opened the scoring in the 15th minute from close range after a well-placed cross by Gabriel Jesus, who made a great run down the right flank.

Guerrero equalized for Peru by converting a 44th-minute penalty kick after a handball by Brazil defender Thiago Silva.

Gabriel Jesus put Brazil ahead again in the third minute of first-half stoppage time with a low shot after an assist from midfielder Arthur.

Peru tried to take control after Gabriel Jesus was sent off for a hard foul on an opponent, but the visitors were not able to create many significant chances.

Brazil sealed victory when Richarlison, who had missed a few matches because of the mumps, converted a penalty kick in the 90th.

Both penalty kicks had to be delayed for video reviews.

Uruguay is the Copa América’s most successful nation with 15 titles, one more than Argentina. </s> Brazil’s Gabriel Jesus celebrates scoring his side’s first goal during a Copa America semifinal soccer match against Argentina at Mineirao stadium in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, Tuesday, July 2, 2019. Brazil won the match 2-0 and advanced to the final. (AP Photo/Eugenio Savio)

RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) — Can a team that was trashed by the favorites in a major soccer tournament win a final against the same opponent only two weeks later?

The answer will be known on Sunday after Copa América host Brazil takes on underdogs Peru in an unexpected final at Rio de Janeiro’s historic Maracanã Stadium in front of 70,000 fans.

Brazil is chasing its ninth Copa title and first since 2007. Peru won in 1939 and 1975.

Brazil has won all four Copa América editions it hosted, the last in 1989 when Romário scored the winner against Uruguay at the same Maracanã.

Only two weeks ago the Brazilians crushed their neighbors 5-0 at São Paulo’s Arena Corinthians, with goals by Casemiro, Roberto Firmino, Éverton, Dani Alves and Willian. It could have been six for the hosts if Gabriel Jesus had not missed a penalty near the end. That result nearly eliminated the Peruvians from the tournament.

But the final will be a totally different affair, players from both teams insist.

“Each match has a different story,” said Brazilian striker Éverton, the team’s sharpest dribbler at Copa América and scorer of two goals.

He is playing in the injured Neymar’s position, and will have either Filipe Luis, who is returning from injury, or Alex Sandro, to help him on the left flank.

Veteran Peru striker Paolo Guerrero, the team’s most recognizable player, agrees the title is up for grabs.

“There are no favorites in a final. Both teams are there because they deserved it,” Guerrero said, despite admitting he will miss injured midfielder Jefferson Farfán in the final.

Midfielder Edison Flores, who has scored two goals in Copa América, is also a doubt.

Brazil enjoyed three clear victories against Bolivia (3-0), Peru (5-0) and Argentina (2-0). But many fans focus on the two goalless draws against Venezuela and Paraguay to put more pressure on coach Tite for his conservative choices. Players came out in his defense on Friday after a news report emerged saying he could choose to leave regardless of the result in the final.

Peru only advanced to the knockout stage as one of the top two teams finishing the group stage in third position. It drew against unimpressive Venezuela 0-0 and beat weak Bolivia 3-1 to move to the quarterfinals. But after the heavy defeat to Brazil Peru picked itself up in style, eliminating favorites Uruguay on penalties and crushing defending champions and archrivals Chile 3-0 in the semifinals.

Brazil fans tend to have little expectation about South American cup finals, even when they are hosting, but see the tournament as an interesting measurement of the team’s chances in the next World Cup. Losing could mean a bumpy road ahead, since members of Tite’s coaching staff either left or are about to leave, and many veteran players are unlikely to play in Qatar in 2022.

For Peruvian fans the anticipation is evident, seeking their first trophy in 44 years despite Brazil’s favorite tag. More than 30,000 of them are likely to be in Rio for the match.

Peru fans are looking everywhere for inspiration, including two matches as far back as the 1954 World Cup. Hungary had some of the best players in the world at the time. The West Germans were only underdogs when the tournament began. In the first clash between the two teams at the group stage, the Hungarians beat a reserve-filled West Germany 8-3. But two weeks later, the Germans beat the favorites 3-2 to win their first title.

Cafu, a 1994 and 2002 World Cup winner with Brazil, said Friday that Brazil was favorite to win but added a caution.

“It is the obvious favorite, but that doesn’t mean it has already won the match,” he said.

The match will be Brazil’s first at the Maracanã in six years. </s> (AP) — Can a team that was trashed by the favorites in a major soccer tournament win a final against the same opponent only two weeks later?

The answer will be known on Sunday after Copa América host Brazil takes on underdogs Peru in an unexpected final at Rio de Janeiro’s historic Maracanã Stadium in front of 70,000 fans.

Brazil is chasing its ninth Copa title and first since 2007. Peru won in 1939 and 1975.

Brazil has won all four Copa América editions it hosted, the last in 1989 when Romário scored the winner against Uruguay at the same Maracanã.

Only two weeks ago the Brazilians crushed their neighbors 5-0 at São Paulo’s Arena Corinthians, with goals by Casemiro, Roberto Firmino, Éverton, Dani Alves and Willian. It could have been six for the hosts if Gabriel Jesus had not missed a penalty near the end. That result nearly eliminated the Peruvians from the tournament.

But the final will be a totally different affair, players from both teams insist.

“Each match has a different story,” said Brazilian striker Éverton, the team’s sharpest dribbler at Copa América and scorer of two goals.

He is playing in the injured Neymar’s position, and will have either Filipe Luis, who is returning from injury, or Alex Sandro, to help him on the left flank.

Veteran Peru striker Paolo Guerrero, the team’s most recognizable player, agrees the title is up for grabs.

“There are no favorites in a final. Both teams are there because they deserved it,” Guerrero said, despite admitting he will miss injured midfielder Jefferson Farfán in the final.

Midfielder Edison Flores, who has scored two goals in Copa América, is also a doubt.

Brazil enjoyed three clear victories against Bolivia (3-0), Peru (5-0) and Argentina (2-0). But many fans focus on the two goalless draws against Venezuela and Paraguay to put more pressure on coach Tite for his conservative choices. Players came out in his defense on Friday after a news report emerged saying he could choose to leave regardless of the result in the final.

Peru only advanced to the knockout stage as one of the top two teams finishing the group stage in third position. It drew against unimpressive Venezuela 0-0 and beat weak Bolivia 3-1 to move to the quarterfinals. But after the heavy defeat to Brazil Peru picked itself up in style, eliminating favorites Uruguay on penalties and crushing defending champions and archrivals Chile 3-0 in the semifinals.

Brazil fans tend to have little expectation about South American cup finals, even when they are hosting, but see the tournament as an interesting measurement of the team’s chances in the next World Cup. Losing could mean a bumpy road ahead, since members of Tite’s coaching staff either left or are about to leave, and many veteran players are unlikely to play in Qatar in 2022.

For Peruvian fans the anticipation is evident, seeking their first trophy in 44 years despite Brazil’s favorite tag. -Soccer and . </s> Fans have been celebrating Brazil's ninth Copa América title after the host nation beat Peru 3-1 in the final at the Maracanã Stadium.

Following the victory, Seleção supporters insisted it was important to prove they could win a trophy without Neymar, who was ruled out of the tournament due to an ankle injury.

This is the first time Brazil have made it past the quarter-finals of the contest since beating Argentina 3-0 in the 2007 final.
• Jesus and Richarlison help end Copa América drought for Brazil </s> Brazil’s Everton celebrates scoring his side’s first goal against Peru during the final soccer match of the Copa America at Maracana stadium in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Sunday, July 7, 2019. (AP Photo/Andre Penner)

RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) — Brazil didn’t need Neymar to win another Copa América title at home.

With its injured star watching from the stands at a packed Maracanã Stadium on Sunday, Brazil beat Peru 3-1 to win its first South American title since 2007.

It was Neymar’s replacement, Everton, who led the team to victory, scoring a goal and setting up another to give Brazil its ninth Copa América trophy, and fifth at home.

Gabriel Jesus and Richarlison also scored for Brazil, which has won the title every time it hosted the tournament.

“I gave everything I had today,” said Everton, who was voted player of the final and also finished as one of the tournament’s top scorers with three goals.

“Who would have thought that Everton would be playing in the final and would be named the man of the match,” Brazil coach Tite said.

Neymar, who was ruled out before the tournament because of an ankle injury, sat with his son close to Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro among the crowd of nearly 70,000 at the Maracanã.

“Neymar is extraordinary, he’s a top 3 player,” Tite said. But “with teamwork we stayed strong.”

Brazilian fans had some reason to worry after Gabriel Jesus was sent off in the 70th minute because of a second yellow card, but Peru couldn’t pull off one last upset after eliminating Uruguay in the quarterfinals and two-time defending champion Chile in the semifinals.

“Brazil deserved the victory,” Peru coach Ricardo Gareca said. “We played better than we did in the previous match. We have improved as a team. We still have to improve more, but we are on the right track.”

Peru, which had been routed 5-0 by Brazil in the group stage and barely avoided early elimination, was trying to win its first Copa América trophy since 1975 and just its second overall. It hadn’t returned to the final since ’75.

The victory helped Brazil to regain the confidence of some supporters following its quarterfinal exit at the 2018 World Cup in Russia. It will also ease some of the pressure on coach Tite, who had been criticized for his selections and the team’s lackluster performances.

Brazil hadn’t made it past the quarterfinals of the Copa América since beating Argentina 3-0 in the 2007 final in Venezuela. It didn’t even get past the group stage in 2016.

The last time it won the Copa América at home had been in 1989, when Romário scored the winner against Uruguay at the Maracanã.

Brazil’s only other trophy since 2007 came in the 2013 Confederations Cup, also at home.

Brazil arrived as a heavy favorite but it was an even match from the start, with the hosts not being able to press too much despite being urged on by most of the crowd at the Maracanã.

Everton opened the scoring in the 15th from close range after a well-placed cross by Gabriel Jesus, who made a surging run down the right flank.

“I’m happy with the goal and with the penalty in the end,” Everton said. “I have to thank my teammates for helping me finish as a top scorer.”

The 23-year-old Everton was elevated to the starting lineup after Neymar was ruled out and his initial substitute, David Neres, struggled in the first couple of matches.

Veteran striker Paolo Guerrero equalized with a 44th-minute penalty after a handball by Brazil defender Thiago Silva. The goal allowed Guerrero to become the Copa América’s all-time leading scorer among active players with 14 goals.

It was the only goal conceded by Brazil in six games.

Gabriel Jesus put the hosts ahead again in the third minute of first-half stoppage time with a low shot after an assist from midfielder Arthur.

Peru tried to take control after Gabriel Jesus was sent off for a hard foul on an opponent, but the visitors were not able to create many significant chances.

Brazil sealed victory when Richarlison, who had missed a few matches because of the mumps, converted a penalty kick in the 90th after Everton was fouled.

Both penalty kicks had to be delayed for video reviews.

Brazil’s veteran right back Dani Alves was voted the player of the tournament. </s> RIO DE JANEIRO — Three Brazilian stars will return to their European clubs boosted by their good performances and a Copa América title.

Manchester City striker Gabriel Jesus, and Barcelona midfielders Philippe Coutinho and Arthur were among Brazil's best in the campaign that led to its ninth Copa América title on Sunday.

Favorite Brazil beat Peru 3-1 at the Maracanã Stadium in Rio de Janeiro.

Éverton, Jesus and Richarlison scored for Brazil, which went down to 10 men in the second half after Jesus was sent off. Paolo Guerrero netted Peru's only goal from the spot.

The 22-year-old Jesus was Brazil's leading figure in the final, just as he was in the 2-0 victory against Argentina in the semifinals.

Against Peru, Jesus not only scored but caused problems with dribbling on the right flank, good passing and effective tackling from box to box. He was sent off in the 70th after a second yellow and left the field in tears, punched the television used for video review, and still got loud cheers from fans.

The goal Jesus scored against Argentina was his first in an official match for Brazil since October 2017, in the 3-0 win against Chile in São Paulo in World Cup qualifying.

Less impressive than Jesus in the knockout stage but still effective, Coutinho scored a brace in Brazil's 3-0 victory against Bolivia in the Copa América opener, and was key for his team's high ball possession in all their matches.

Arthur also left a positive impression for his defending skills and intelligence in controlling Brazil's flow. After Jesus was ejected in the final, the Barcelona midfielder took responsibility to calm Brazil down and make the team regroup.

The 22-year-old Arthur was also one of the main reasons Brazil conceded only one goal in the tournament — the one Guerrero scored from the spot. </s> RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) — Argentina beat Venezuela 2-0 on Friday and will face Brazil in the Copa América semifinals.

Lionel Messi failed to impress against Venezuela but Argentina gave its most solid performance in four matches

Brazil and Argentina will face off on Tuesday at Belo Horizonte’s Mineirão Stadium. The Brazilians advanced on Thursday after beating Paraguay on penalties after a goal less draw in Porto Alegre.

Brazilian and Argentine fans at Maracanã Stadium hinted at how intense the atmosphere will be on Tuesday. The Brazilians jokingly sang about Messi’s lack of titles for his national team, while Argentines poked fun by singing Diego Maradona is better than Pelé.

Striker Lautaro Martínez scored from a back heel kick after 10 minutes, deflecting a shot by Sergio Agüero from the edge of the box.

Another blocked shot by Agüero led to midfielder Giovani Lo Celso doubling the lead in the 74th.

Lo Celso, who entered just a few minutes before, just pushed the ball into the empty net to seal Argentina’s win in front of 50,000 fans.

“Brazil will be a very tough rival, and that isn’t only because they will play at home,” Lautaro said.

“We had an amazing first half. We are showing that in every match we give it all.”

Argentina, back for the first time in the stadium where it lost the 2014 World Cup final 1-0 to Germany, was the only team trying to score in the beginning of the quarterfinal and managed to do so when Lautaro converted its third clear chance.

Venezuela’s first opportunity came only after 40 minutes, with a header by defender Jhon Chancellor.

The story of the match didn’t change much in the second half, with a slower Argentina still enjoying the best chances.

At 71 minutes, shortly before Lo Celso scored Argentina’s second, Venezuela striker Ronald Hernández was stopped by goalkeeper Franco Armani in the key save of the match.

Venezuela played without its two starting central defenders, Yordan Osorio and Mikel Villanueva. Osorio had a fever and Villanueva suffered from muscular problems. They were replaced by Chancellor and Jose Rosales.
Hosts Brazil defeat Peru 3–1 in the final match of the Copa América at the Estádio do Maracanã in Rio de Janeiro. It is their ninth title and first since 2007.