Gabriel Jesus assisted, scored and was sent off as Brazil sealed its ninth Copa America title with a dramatic 3-1 win against Peru at the Maracana stadium, Rio de Janeiro on Sunday. Paolo Guerrero's spot kick in the 44th minute cancelled out an early opener from Everton, but a late first-half goal from Jesus and a 90th-minute penalty from substitute Richarlison won the game for the host.
Peru made early inroads into the Brazilian territory but was unable to muster a shot on the goal. Brazil gradually grew into the game and took control of possession as Roberto Firmino caused Peruvian defenders multiple problems with his movement.
In the 15th minute, Gabriel Jesus raced past Luis Advincula on the right side and sent in a delightful cross for an onrushing Everton at the far post who volleyed it into the net to give Brazil the lead. Both Philippe Coutinho and Firmino went close to scoring in the next few minutes but were unable to test Peru goalkeeper Pedro Gallese with their final shots.
READ | As it Happened - Brazil 3-1 Peru
La Blanquirroja equalised against the run of play when Thiago Silva's handball inside the box gifted away a penalty. After several minutes of VAR drama Paolo Guerrero stepped up to the spot and scored past Brazil shot-stopper Alisson to make it 1-1 a minute before half-time.
However, Peru's joy lasted just four minutes as Arthur dispossessed Yoshimar Yotun and slid a through ball for Gabriel Jesus who finished at far post to end the first half 2-1.
Peru put bodies forward in second half as the combination of Andre Carilllo and Christian Cueva put the Brazilian defence on its toes.
Tempers flared in the Brazilian camp when Gabriel Jesus was sent off in the 70th minute following his second booking of the match. Buoyed by the presence of an extra man, Peru pushed for the equaliser and in the 73th minute, Edison Flores' rasping shot narrowly missed the top corner.
But Brazil killed the tie in the last minute of regulation time when Carlos Zambrano's tough tackle on Everton forced the referee to point to the spot. Substitute Richarlson stepped up, and smashed it into the bottom corner to seal a dramatic 3-1 win for the host.
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