Brazil advanced to the Copa America final with a 2-0 win over old rivals Argentina on Tuesday in a pulsating and, at times, bad-tempered match decided by a goal in each half from Gabriel Jesus and Roberto Firmino.
Both sides tried to impose themselves physically early on but it was Jesus who gave Brazil the lead after 19 minutes when Firmino sent in a low cross for the unmarked striker to side-foot home from close range.
The two combined again on the counterattack after 71 minutes to make it 2-0 after great work from Jesus left Firmino with the simplest of tap-ins.
Brazil, who have lost twice in 42 games under coach Tite, will face either Peru or Chile in Sunday’s final at the Maracana stadium in Rio de Janeiro and captain Dani Alves said their goal was within reach.
“There is one more step to go before we fulfil our objective,” he added.
Argentina have not beaten Brazil in a major competitive fixture dating back to 2005 and that run rarely looked like ending in front of 52,000 fans at the Mineirao stadium in Belo Horizonte.
Argentina bow out after scoring just five goals in five games and are still looking for their first major title since lifting the Copa America in 1993.
