Brazil 3-1 Peru: Samba Boys win first Copa America in 12 years

Brazil were winners in a thrilling final of the 2019 Copa America at the Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro on Sunday night.

The hosts were odds-on favourite to beat surprise finalists Peru but played the final 20 minutes with 10 men following Gabriel Jesus’s red card.

Jesus had provided an excellent assist for Everton’s opening goal on 15 minutes. At this point many expected Tite’s side to run away with the result, having already beaten Peru 5-0 in the group stage earlier in the competition.

However, the Samba Boys failed to add a second before Peru equalised with a soft penalty awarded by VAR shortly before half-time. Experienced striker Paolo Guerrero duly converted. It was the first and only goal Alisson and the Brazilian defence conceded in this summer’s tournament.

Peru couldn’t even hang on until half-time though as Jesus produced a neat finish at the near post in the third minute of stoppage time.

The next incident the striker would be involved in was a harshly-awarded second yellow card 20 minutes from time. Gabriel Jesus’ frustration was evident as he kicked a water bottle and pushed the VAR monitor as he left the field of play.

Everton’s Richarlison sealed the victory with a penalty in second half stoppage time to the relief of teammate Jesus. It is the first time Brazil have won the Copa America since 2007. It also means they continue their tradition of winning the title every time they host the competition.