In a rematch of the 2019 tournament final, Peru will face Copa America hosts Brazil in the semifinal of the 2021 Copa America.
The 2019 tournament, also hosted by Brazil, was finished off with a 3-1 victory for the hosts over surprising finalists Peru. Will there be a repeat performance in this year's semifinal? Check out our Peru vs. Brazil tips and predictions.
Peru vs Brazil game info
• Location: Olympic Stadium, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
• Date: Monday, July 5, 2021
• Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
• TV: Fox Sports 1
Peru vs Brazil betting tips
- Brazil (-400)
- Lucas Paqueta - Anytime goal (+225)
Read on for complete analysis
Peru vs Brazil match odds
Peru: +1,400
Brazil: -400
Draw: +450
Total: 2.5
Over 2.5: -110
Under 2.5: -200
Peru vs Brazil betting preview
Weather
It will be a clear, calm evening in Rio de Janeiro on Monday, with temperatures expected around 70 degrees Fahrenheit at kickoff with 80 percent humidity.
Key injuries
Peru: Andre Carrillo (Out).
Brazil: Gabriel Jesus (Out).
Peru vs Brazil predictions
Moneyline pick
Brazil, not dissimilar to South American rivals Argentina, seem to sink or swim depending on the manager, and the buy-in they get from their players. In that sense, this is a very dangerous Brazil team. Manager Tite has them playing the best soccer of this generation, with a high-press working brilliantly with the safety net of two world-class defensive midfielders in behind. Even Neymar appears fully invested in the tactical approach, pressing with an intensity not seen from him since he left Barcelona.
Brazil cruised through the group stage with 10 points out of a possible 12, scoring 10 goals while allowing two, and creating 9.3 xG compared to 2.4 xG conceded. The only performance in which they weren't completely dominant came in the final group stage game against Ecuador, a 1-1 draw during which many Brazil starters rested.
Peru, without talisman Paolo Guerrero in the tournament, have done well to continue their ascension as an international side in this tournament. Their success has come, in large part, due to the partnership of Gianluca Lapadula and Andre Carrillo, who have combined for four goals at the tournament. Unfortunately, Carrillo will miss this game through suspension after he was sent off in the quarterfinals.
Peru continue to make progress after their Copa America final in 2019, but they are running into a buzzsaw in the semifinals. Tite helped lead this Brazil squad to their first Copa America in 12 years in 2019. In 2021, he'll have them in a position to repeat as champions for the first time since 2007, leading them to the final with a win over Peru.
PICK: Brazil (-400)
Goalscorer pick
While it wasn't ideal for Gabriel Jesus, Brazil, or Chilean defender Eugenio Mena to have Jesus kick Mena in the face and get a red card in their quarterfinal, it was good news for one person: Brazilian attacker Lucas Paqueta. With Jesus suspended for Brazil's meeting against Peru, Paqueta is likely to start in his place.
Not only will Paqueta get the start with a trip to the Copa America final on the line, but he'll get to slot into the most advantageous position on the field. In Brazil and Peru's meeting in the group stage, a game won 4-0 by Brazil, nearly 40 percent of Brazil's attacks were built down the right side. Jesus assisted on the first goal from the right, while both Neymar and Jesus found a ton of success drifting wide then cutting inside.
Now, Paqueta will take up that right-sided attacking position, riding high after scoring his first of the tournament against Chile. Expect him to add another vs. Peru.
PICK: Lucas Paqueta - Anytime goal (+225)
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