It was a hard-fought first half at the LA Memorial Coliseum in which Brazil had the better chances. The game was perhaps epitomized by Brazilian midfielder Casemiro, who halfway through the first half had to be treated for a head wound and finished the game with a black swim cap to control the bleeding. In terms of chances, Brazil was dominant and Everton forward Richarlison had the two most significant chances, but first missed the target halfway through the first period before being denied by Peru keeper Pedro Gallese just before halftime.
Brazil continued to dominate the second half. In the 53rd minute, midfielder Allan was through on goal, but once again Gallese stepped up to preserve the clean sheet. Overall, Peru seemed the more comfortable side of the two in the second half, and managed to keep Brazil at bay thanks to their stronger physical presence. In the 63rd minute, Neymar came on in an attempt by Seleção head coach Tite to swing the game in his favor. But it would be a Peru player that would ultimately steal the show. In the 90th minute, Luis Abram headed home a freekick from the right to seal a fantastic victory for La Blanquirroja.
Pedro Gallese (Peru)
Gallese was incredible for Peru. The 29-year-old national team keeper from Alianza Lima kept his side in the match. Always in control of his box, the goalkeeper’s nerves never seemed in doubt, and he was a big reason why Peru managed to extract a measure of revenge for their loss in this summer’s Copa América final.
Luis Abram (Peru)
Luis Abram not only scored the game-winning goal, but was also stout in defence. The 23-year-old defender from Sporting Cristal has been brilliant in recent weeks, and was once again outstanding tonight. Although the Seleção dominated the game with 56% possession and 11 to 9 total shots, only three of Brazil’s shots found the target. Abram’s positioning and ability to shut down Brazil’s forward line was a big reason for the success. His first goal for Peru is one Abram will always remember.
Richarlison (Brazil)
The Everton forward was Brazil’s best player. Dynamic and with a strong drive to the goal the 22-year-old was a bit unlucky not to have scored tonight. His shot from distance in the 44thminute was Brazil’s biggest chance in the first half.
GOALS: 0-1 (Abram 90’)
Peru has taken revenge for their Copa América final defeat in June at the Maracana. For La Blanquirroja it was a strong reaction to the 1-0 defeat to Ecuador on Thursday. Brazil, in the meantime, seems to be experiencing a bit of a Copa hangover. The Seleção drew Colombia 2-2 on Friday, and the 0-1 defeat to Peru make it two games without a win. A record that the Yellow and Blues will likely rectify in October when they face Thailand as part of the Brasil Global Tour in Kallang, Singapore.