‘We can play under all kinds of circumstances’

Brazil will face Peru at the Nilton Santos Stadium in Rio de Janeiro on next Tuesday at 5am (Bangladesh Standard Time) in the first semifinal of Copa America 2021.

In an incredible game of football, Peru emerged as the first semifinalists with a 4-3 penalty shootout win against Paraguay following a dramatic 3-3 draw. Brazil progressed to the last four, thanks to a narrow win against Chile despite a red card for Gabriel Jesus early into the second half.

The opening game of the quarterfinal was an exciting, fascinating encounter from start to finish while second tie between the last two Copa America champions was more closely fought than their form coming into the game suggested.

Brazil were unbeaten in 11 games and topped Group B, while Chile finished only fourth in Group A and have drawn four of their last six matches 1-1.

Brazil finally survived as Lucas Paqueta put the reigning champions 1-0 up within seconds of coming on as a half-time substitute. "We were beaten by the favourites, the team playing at home," said Chilean midfielder Arturo Vidal. "At least we will leave with our heads held high."

Vidal however blamed the Argentine referee for his side's Copa America elimination to Brazil on Friday, calling him "a clown" who "thinks he is the star of the show."

Brazil forward Gabriel Jesus was apologetic after committing one of the ugliest challenges on a Chilean defender which subsequently saw him being sent off.

This is also not Jesus' first red-card offense in a Brazil shirt in Copa America. He was also sent off following two yellow cards in a Copa game against Peru in 2019.

"Jesus was just bad luck," said Brazil forward Neymar after the win against Chile. "He had his eye on the ball, not on the man, and unfortunately, he was sent off.

"Every day that goes by we have tests to make us stronger, to prove that we can play under all kinds of circumstances. Chile are a good team, they have great players and it is very difficult with a man less. Everyone deserves praise - the defence, the midfield, the forwards.

"We managed to withstand something that rarely happens to this team. It was a big test for us."

The match-winner may have been Paqueta but Brazil's real inspiration behind the victory was Neymar. The PSG ace was in top form again and helped create the goal for Paqueta with some fine work on the ball, strengthening his case for the Copa America 'player of the tournament' prize.