Brazil Puts Four Past Peru in Copa America
Neymar surpassed Ronaldo on the country’s all-time goals list after Brazil beat Peru 4-0 in their Copa America Group B encounter at the Estadio Olimpico Nilton Santos in Brazil.
Brazil coach Tite rotated the lineup, giving starts to Ederson, Alex Sandro, Thiago Silva, Everton and Gabriel Barbosa. The hosts took the lead after 12 minutes when Alex Sandro volleyed home a cut back from Gabriel Jesus. With Fabinho a commanding presence in midfield and Neymar always dangerous going forward.
The hosts took more control as the game went on and Neymar got a second midway through the second half. Neymar’s marker gave him too much space the Brazilian fired a low shot past a Peru goalkeeper Pedro Gallese from just outside the box.
It was Neymar’s fourth goal in Brazil’s last four matches and his 68th overall, taking him one past the legendary Ronaldo on Brazil’s all-time goalscoring chart.
Substitute Everton Ribeiro made it 3-0 in the 89th minute when he converted a Richarlison cross. In stoppage time, Richarlison got a fourth tapping in a loose ball into the net from close range.
The result means Brazil are the first team in the tournament to win both their first games, and immediately go to the top of Group B, two points ahead of Colombia, who drew 0-0 with Venezuela earlier in the day.
Brazil face Colombia next on 23 June before completing their Group B fixtures against Ecuador. Four teams from each of the five-team groups will progress to the quarter-final stage.
Chidi Nwoke/Reuters.
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