Rio de Janeiro (AFP) – Copa América champions Brazil defended with ten men to advance to the semifinals with a 1-0 victory over Chile on Friday. Substitute Lucas Paqueta scored the only goal of the game seconds before Gabriel Jesús was sent off at the start of the second half.
Paqueta’s victory over the left corner of Chilean goalkeeper Claudio Bravo in the 46th minute gave Brazilian fans some hope that the Selecao would advance to the next stage. But just two minutes later, Jesús was expelled after Chilean Eugenio Mina launched an aerial kick.
Neymar and Brazilian coach Tite said after the match that Jesús missed Mina and kicked him by mistake while trying to recover the ball in midfield.
Brazil worked so hard on defense that Chile had fewer shots on goal after Jesús was sent off than when he played; Two against three.
“Good defense is one of our characteristics,” said Brazilian Thiago Silva. “No matter what we did today, we only conceded a few goals. Up to 10, we create clear opportunities. I am very proud of this team for their fighting spirit.
Paqueta took to the field after a tense first half with few chances for both sides. He replaced Roberto Firmino.
Brazil did not stop threatening Chile with Neymar’s dribbling and quick counterattacks. But Chile was much closer to the tie. Eduardo Vargas’ goal was disallowed for offside and England’s Ben Brereton headed in the 68th minute.
Neymar, exhausted, said after the game that playing with 10 men was a great test for Brazil. He was not as close to scoring as in other Copa América games, but he was key in possession.
“In each game we need some tests to make us stronger and to show that we can do it in all circumstances,” said Neymar. We had to unite. It was very difficult to do that.
Arturo Vidal from Chile said that his team would leave the tournament with some pride.
“We lost to a great team, which is a candidate who plays at home,” he said. “If we play the way we play today, with more time to work, then it is clear that this team will regain its strength. We hope to qualify for the World Cup. It will be difficult, but we can.
Peru qualified for the semifinals after beating Paraguay 4-3 on penalties after a 3-3 result in regulation time, in the most exciting Copa América match to date.
Brazil and Peru played the last Copa América final in 2019, where the hosts won 3-1. Jesús was also expelled in that match at the Maracana stadium in Rio de Janeiro. Monday’s game will be played at the same Nelton Santos stadium, where Brazil beat Chile.
Brazilian coach Tite, who was recently fined by the South American Football Confederation for criticizing the organization of the tournament, again criticized the quality of the Nilton Santos stadium, despite recent minor improvements.
“If I was watching the game from home, I’d say it’s a good game, and look what it is… Ederson had a hard time taking goal shots,” Tite said. Please be responsible. I realize that people are trying to improve the field, but they are finding better ground so that we can play.
The Copa América final will be held at the Maracana on July 10.
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