RIO DE JANEIRO: Brazil’s Gabriel Jesus made one goal, scored another and was sent off in the second half as it beat Peru 3-1 on Sunday to win the Copa America for the ninth time in a pulsating contest at the Maracana stadium.
Gremio forward Everton opened the scoring at the Maracana on 15 minutes by rifling in a first-time effort. Peru captain Paolo Guerrero netted from the penalty spot in the 44th minute. Jesus restored Brazil’s lead by slotting in a cool finish after a counter-attack on the stroke of halftime.
Brazil was reduced to 10 men in the 70th minute when Jesus was shown a second yellow card for catching Carlos Zambrano with an elbow as both were jostling for the ball.
The last time it won the Copa América at home had been in 1989, when Romário scored the winner against Uruguay at the Maracanã.
(Agencies)
Brazil’s only other trophy since 2007 came in the 2013 Confederations Cup, also at home.
But the-five time world champions were unshaken and sealed the victory in the 90th minute when Richarlison held his nerve from the spot after Everton was brought down by Zambrano.
It is the ninth time that Brazil have lifted the football’s oldest international continental trophy, which was first played in 1916. Their last triumph came in 2007 when they beat Argentina 3-0 in Venezuela.
(Agencies)
Comment