Alex Sandro opened the scoring early on before Neymar, Everton Ribeiro and Richarlison got on the scoresheet in the second half as Brazil secured their second consecutive win in Copa America 2021.
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Brazil thrashed Peru 4-0 in their Copa America 2021 group stage fixture at Rio de Janeiro. It was Brazil’s second consecutive victory in the competition. They are now placed at top of Group A whereas Peru fell to the bottom. Defender Alex Sandro opened the scoring for the hosts in the first half. Meanwhile three goals came after the hour-mark from captain Neymar and substitutes Everton Ribeiro and Richarlison. In the other match of the day Colombia and Venezuela played out a goalless draw.
In the 12th minute, Everton’s cross from the right flank deflected off a Peru defender’s head and looped to Gabriel Jesus. The Manchester City forward’s cut back was fired in by Sandro to make it 1-0 for the hosts. Few minutes after the goal, Fabinho’s dipping shot from outside the box went just wide.
Seven minutes from break, Christian Cueva stole the ball from Fred and dribbled past Fabinho. He found Andre Carrillo down the left side of the penalty area. But Carrillo’s delicate chip over the advancing goalkeeper Ederson was blocked by Danilo. Meanwhile, Sandro’s shot from the edge of the box went over the crossbar.
On the hour-mark, Brazil was awarded a penalty for Renato Tapia’s foul on Neymar inside the penalty area. But the Argentine referee Patricio Loustau reversed his decision after VAR intervention as the visuals showed that the defender didn’t commit a deliberate foul.
Neymar extended Brazil’s lead in the 67th minute. Peru lost possession in the middle of the park and Fred passed the ball to Neymar up front. The PSG striker drilled in a low shot from 20 yards out into the bottom corner of Peru’s goal.Â
Whereas at the other end,12 minutes from time, Peru’s Luis Abram and Alex Valera failed to convert a free-kick into goal from close range.
In the 85th minute, Richarlison teed up Firmino in front of goal, but the Liverpool striker’s shot was brilliantly saved by goalkeeper Pedro Gallese from close range. Two minutes from time, Neymar released Richarlison down the left side and the 24-year-old’s low cross was tapped-in by substitute Ribeiro to make the score 3-0.
In the injury time, Neymar was again involved. This time, the 29-year-old played a superb first time through ball to Firmino, whose shot was saved by Gallese. But the rebound fell to Richarlison who slotted the ball in the net in his second attempt. Neymar was once again brilliant with his skills and vision to release players up front.Â
In Goiania, Venezuela held Colombia for a goalless draw in another game in the Copa America 2021 tournament. Goalkeeper Wuilker Farinez made some fine saves in the dying stages of the game to deny the Colombian attackers. Colombia finished the game with 10 men as Luiz Diaz was sent off in injury time.
Venezuela were impacted by COVID-19 in their camp. Eight of their players were missing from the squad. Therefore, coming out of the tie with a point is a satisfying result for Jose Martinez’ side. Meanwhile Colombia created 23 attempts on goal compared to Venezuela’s just two.
