Brazil win their ninth Copa America

Brazil suffered, but the Copa America did return to the host country. Reduced to ten for twenty minutes, the Seleçao beat brave Peruvians (3-1), Sunday July 7, at the legendary Maracana stadium in Rio de Janeiro. It is the ninth continental trophy for the Seleçao, which has always won this tournament when it organized it (1919, 1922, 1949, 1989 and now 2019). The Copa America is for South American football the equivalent of the European Nations Championship.

Hero of the semi-final against Argentina (2-0), with a goal and an assist, Gabriel Jesus did it again in the final, but almost ruined everything by being sent off for a second yellow card (70^e).

Against an opponent they had crushed 5-0 in the first round, Brazil failed to keep a clean sheet, Guerrero having given hope to the Peruvians from the penalty spot (44^e), after Everton’s opener (15^e), on a pass from Jesus. He scored the second Brazilian goal just before the break (45^e+3). Reduced to ten, the Brazilians took cover at the end of the match thanks to a penalty converted by Richarlison (90^e).

Danis Alves, 36, indestructible

“We built something together. We were determined and we had confidence in our work”, welcomed the Brazilian captain Dani Alves, 36, who won the fortieth trophy of his career and was voted best player of the competition. Everton finished top scorer, with three goals, tied with Paolo Guerrero, and Alisson top goalkeeper.

Tite’s men suffered against Ricardo Gareca’s team, but that did not prevent them from flying through the tournament, despite the absence of Neymar, injured and mired in a rape affair, and some whistles from the fans at the start. of competition. The five-time world champions have finally won a major title after twelve long years of waiting since the 2007 Copa América.

The Maracana could scream « It is champion » (” we are the Champions “) !

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