TheCable

The Selecao of Brazil lifted the Copa America trophy on home soil for the first time in 30 years at a packed Maracana stadium on Sunday night, defeating Peru 3-1 to win their 9th title despite playing the last twenty minutes with ten men.

The win, which is Brazil’s first Copa triumph since 2007, was sealed thanks to goals from forwards Everton, Gabriel Jesus and Richarlison.

Both teams named unchanged line-ups from the semi-finals but it was host nation, Brazil, who previously defeated Peru 5-0 in the group stage, which took a 16th minute lead through winger, Everton Soares.

The Gremio FC star converted a close-range volley after being set up by striker, Gabriel Jesus’ run and cross to set the Maracana into delirium.

Tite’s team had not conceded in this tournament but were eventually breached by Peru who downed defending Champions, Chile, in the semi-finals.

The breakthrough came in the 44th minute from a VAR-confirmed penalty after defender, Thiago Silva had handled in the penalty area. Striker, Paolo Guerrero, expertly dispatched to silence the stadium.

Brazilian fans would, however, find their voice again three minutes into first-half added time, when the brilliant Gabriel Jesus latched onto Roberto Firmino’s pin-point pass and expertly finished off to give the Samba boys a 2-1 lead.

The Manchester City player, Gabriel Jesus, would later become the villain, receiving his marching orders in the 70th minute after getting booked twice within a minute.

Despite the player deficit, the five-time World Cup winners sealed the win in the 90th minute via penalty which substitute, Richarlison, dispatched to start the party.

Brazil’s triumph in the 46th edition of the Copa America continues their enviable record of winning the biennial South American tournament every time they’ve been hosts- five times.