Brazil vs Peru
The first 2021 Copa America semi-final; a repeat of the 2019 final and, while both passed their quarter-final tests at the weekend, two nations with very different expectations.
The thing with Brazil is that, in footballing terms, they are nearly always expected to not just win, but also entertain.
Of course, to achieve one is difficult enough, to manage both on a consistent basis often impossible.
Yet as hosts of the Copa America, the pressure on the Selecao is even more intense than usual and they will be expected to cruise to victory in Rio di Janeiro, while creating Copa America highlights en route – especially against a nation 24 places below them in the world rankings.
For Peru, just to be in the semi-final is a fine achievement.
Talking Points
One man Brazil will be without is Gabriel Jesus who was sent off in their Copa America quarter-final against Chile.
The Manchester City man saw red just two minutes after Lucas Paqueta put Brazil ahead, although they held out against opponents who came close to an equaliser when Ben Brereton’s header hit the bar.
Peru’s last eight tie was even more dramatic after they advanced after beating Paraguay 4-3 on penalties after a 3-3 draw.
After falling behind to an early Gustavo Gomez goal, a double from Gianluca Lapadula put Peru in front and, despite Paraguay having Gomez dismissed just before half-time, they equalised through Junior Alonso.
YoshimarYotun restored Peru’s lead but, after they went down to 10 men when Andre Carillo was sent off in the 84th minute, Gabriel Avalos scored a last-minute leveller to send the tie to penalties.
Paraguay missed with three of their spot-kicks before Miguel Trauco scored the decisive penalty for Peru who, naturally, will be without Carillo for this one.
History
That this is a one-sided record is no surprise given the history and footballing pedigree of two nations at very different ends of the scale.
Brazil have won 35 and lost only five of their 44 meetings with the other nine clashes ending all square.
Peru registered one of their few famous victories when they met in the competition, however, five years ago.
Then, a 75th minute goal from Raul Ruidiaz sent Peruvians into dreamland and their nation into the quarter-finals.
The historic victory knocked Brazil out and was highly controversial, scored – as it was – by the hand of Ruidiaz.
It was their first victory over Brazil in 31 years.
The previous success had come in a 1985 friendly and, before that, in this competition in 1953 and 1975.
When they met in November 2016, five months after the famous victory which ultimately led to coach Dunga losing his job, Tite had been appointed and oversaw a 2-0 victory in Lima in World Cup qualifying.
Jesus and Renato Augusto were the scorers on that occasion.
This is a re-run of the final two summers ago in which only a last minute Richarlison penalty made sure of the title for Brazil in a 3-1 final win.
Before that 2019 showpiece, Brazil had already thrashed Peru 5-0 in the group stages.
Since then, Peru won a September 2019 friendly courtesy of a Luis Abram goal.
Yet normality was soon restored with Brazil winning a World Cup qualifier 4-2 last autumn, inspired by a Neymar hat-trick, and, of course, just a few weeks ago in the group stages, again by a hefty 4-0 margin.
Betting Tip
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Brazil vs Peru | Brazil First Half Asian Handicap -0.75 @ 2.17 |
| July 06, 07:00(GMT+8) |
The SBOTOP Copa America betting odds are realistically one-sided.
Brazil are priced 1X2 @ 1.26, First Half 1X2 @ 1.76 and Asian Handicap – 1.75 @ 2.09.
By contrast, Peru are available to back 1X2 @ 10.00, First Half 1X2 @ 9.50, Asian Handicap +1.25 @ 2.38 and First Half Asian Handicap +0.50 @ 2.16.
I don’t recall too many low scoring encounters between these two and that is also reflected in odds such as under 2.25 goals @ 2.29, total goal 0-1 @ 3.25, total goal 2-3 @ 1.87 and total goal 4-6 @ 3.15.
A repeat of last month’s 4-0 romp is available with Correct Score @ 13.00, while a re-run of the 2019 final – Correct Score 3-1 – will pay out @ 11.50.
For a repeat of the result which sent shockwaves through world football – a 1-0 Peru success – you will enjoy a pay day of @ 29.00.
Double Chance Peru or Draw @ 3.50 and Half Time Full Time Brazil @ 1.88 are also options worth looking at.
All in all, though, it is hard to see past Brazil.
A SHORT EXPLANATION ON HOW OUR ( ) BETS ARE WORTH: |
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|---|---|---|---|
| = €20 (Highly confident) |
 = €10 (CONFIDENT) |
= €5 (SOMEWHAT CONFIDENT) |
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Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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