Brazil reaches Copa America final

Brazil reached the Copa America final after a first-half goal from Lucas Paqueta gave them a 1-0 win over Peru in the semi-final on Monday. The hosts will play either Lionel Messi’s Argentina or Colombia – who meet in the second semi-final of the tournament in Brasilia on Wednesday – in Saturday’s final at Rio de Janeiro’s iconic Maracana stadium.

Brazil have won the Copa America every time they hosted the tournament and in the early part of Monday’s match showed exactly why they are favourites to do so again. The two sides both had their chances in the opening 30 minutes, but it was Brazil that took the lead when some fancy footwork from Neymar allowed him to escape three defenders and lay the ball off for a fine first-time finish from Lucas Paqueta.

The Selecao missed a chance to double their lead before the break and went into the dressing room up 1-0. Peru had a great chance to draw level as the second half began, but Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson did well to parry away a goalbound shot from Gianluca Lapadula to maintain Brazil’s lead.