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Brazil came from behind to open their Copa America campaign with a win, courtesy of a last-gasp strike from Douglas Costa.
Peru took a shock lead at the Estadio Municipal Bicentenario German Becker when Christian Cueva found the back of the net after just three minutes, before Barcelona star Neymar restored parity just two minutes later.
From there it was a tale of frustration for Brazil, who had to wait until deep into second-half stoppage time for Douglas Costa to secure the 2-1 win.With Group C rivals Colombia slipping to a shock 1-0 defeat to Venezuela earlier on Sunday, Dunga’s side were looking to take advantage and cement their position as the team to beat in the group.
But they got off to the worst possible start when after just three minutes Cueva was opportunist enough to make the most of Brazil keeper Jefferson’s failed attempt to clear a poor back pass from David Luiz and tap home.
It was a combination forged in Barcelona that brought the Brazilians back on level terms in quick-fire fashion, with an unmarked Neymar getting on the end of Dani Alves’ cross to head home the equaliser.Neymar then turned provider to secure all three points for his side as he drew four defenders before his pass put Shakhtar Donetsk midfielder Douglas Costa one-on-one against Peru custodian Pedro Gallese and he made no mistake.
“We expected to face a tough rival. Playing in these kind of tournaments, especially in South America is always hard. Nobody gives anything away. I believe that we played well ... It is always important to start winning,” Neymar said to the local press afterwards.DAVID LUIZ REMINDED everyone how good Chelsea’s transfer committee are last night after the PSG defender made an absolute cock-up in Brazil’s opening Copa America game against Peru.
It only took three minutes for the most expensive defender in history to cause a mix-up in defence as he bizarrely tried running the ball out of defence when facing his own goal and under pressure from Paolo Guerrero.Click & Close Ads
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It must be said that goalkeeper Jefferson is as much to blame as the former Chelsea defender as he fluffed his lines when he tried to clear the ball and gifted it straight to Christian Cueva who tapped into the net.
DAVID LUIZ REMINDED everyone how good Chelsea’s transfer committee are last night after the PSG defender made an absolute cock-up in Brazil’s opening Copa America game against Peru.
It only took three minutes for the most expensive defender in history to cause a mix-up in defence as he bizarrely tried running the ball out of defence when facing his own goal and under pressure from Paolo Guerrero.
It must be said that goalkeeper Jefferson is as much to blame as the former Chelsea defender as he fluffed his lines when he tried to clear the ball and gifted it straight to Christian Cueva who tapped into the net.
Although admirable, Luiz rushing himself back to fitness for Les Parisiens’ difficult run-in was perhaps not the wisest decision.
Clearly not fully fit, the Selecao star was unable to do himself or his team-mates justice and was torn apart by a rampant Barcelona side in both legs of their UEFA Champions League quarterfinal encounter.Click & Close Ads
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The injury suffered by captain Thiago Silva in the first leg of that clash with the Spaniards meant that Luiz had to start in his absence, and to the detriment of his form, the frizzy-haired defender was forced to battle on until his fellow Brazilian’s return.
The PSG No. 32 was afforded a few weeks’ rest toward the end of the campaign, but he was back in time for the two final Ligue 1 fixtures and the Coupe de France final against AJ Auxerre.
In those final games against Montpellier HSC, Stade de Reims and AJA, though, it was clear that the South American was still not back to his pre-injury level of performance.Click & Close Ads
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Friday, June 19, 2015
