Few people, except some optimistic Peruvians, could have expected a Peru vs. Brazil final at the 2019 Copa America after what transpired on June 22.
Brazil crushed Peru 5-0 on the final matchday of Group A, which left la Blanquirroja dangerously close to a group-stage exit. But they stayed alive, edged a penalty shootout over Uruguay and then picked apart the back-to-back champions and fierce rivals Chile to set up a date with Brazil.
Redemption is in the cards for Peru, while the Selecao aim to snap a 12-year trophy drought by triumphing on home soil.
Here are a few burning questions ahead of Sunday’s showdown:
How will Peru set up?
After the 5-0 defeat to Brazil, Peru coach Ricardo Gareca set up his side to ensure that there was less open space against Uruguay in the quarterfinals. The plan, even though the attack was toothless, worked thanks to stingy defending and some assistance from VAR.
The semifinal versus Chile was a vastly different arrangement. Instead of ceding possession and retreating into a compact defensive shape, Gareca opted for a more intense approach.
Peru utilized a high press against the Chilean defence, with Renato Tapia and Paolo Guerrero alternating as the lead, and it suffocated Chile’s midfield. This led to la Roja withdrawing into a more compact shape centrally, but it left the wings exposed.
However, Brazil tore apart Peru’s midfield when it tried to open up. The hosts have also struggled against deep defensive blocks, so it’s likely that Gareca will deploy a system similar to the Uruguay game.
Brazil was frustrated in a 0-0 draw with Venezuela in the group stage for this very reason. The Brazilians posted their lowest single-game expected goals total (0.69) at Copa America thus far, according to Wyscout.
If Peru utilizes these tactics, they have to be more clinical with their chances, though. If Christian Cueva and Yoshimar Yotun are in these positions, they must convert.
Can Coutinho make the difference?
Philippe Coutinho was a difference-maker when Brazil needed him the most against Argentina in the semifinals. But Coutinho’s contributions were subtle and under the radar.
The 27-year-old’s work rate off the ball was crucial to Brazil’s victory. It restricted Lionel Messi and the Argentine midfield for most of the game.
Brazil started in a 4-2-3-1, with Gabriel Jesus, Philippe Coutinho and Everton Soares supporting Roberto Firmino. Casemiro and Arthur operated as the two deeper-lying midfielders. #CopaAmerica pic.twitter.com/GJOVRbBOjO
— The Coaches’ Voice (@CoachesVoice) July 5, 2019
If Lionel Messi dropped towards the ball, Arthur and Coutinho pressed him on each shoulder to both prevent him from turning and to restrict his passing options. #CopaAmerica pic.twitter.com/aC04W9SdB5
— The Coaches’ Voice (@CoachesVoice) July 5, 2019
Overall, though, Coutinho’s movement will be imperative for Brazil in the final. Peru will probably sit deep, so if the Brazilian playmaker executes these runs and finish these chances, it’ll be a positive development for his team.
Coutinho is among the top-20 players in most attacking categories, so he’s been influential enough. But he needs to elevate this to an even higher level on Sunday in order for Brazil to win.
What happens to Tite?
There are reports from the Brazilian press that Brazil head coach Tite will not continue after Copa America, regardless of the result.
The Brazilian federation has since voiced its support for the coach, but the vote of confidence can be a smokescreen.
The reason why Tite’s reportedly considering an exit is unknown. He’s been linked to the Beijing Guoan job, plus there are rumblings that the 58-year-old isn’t happy with the federation.
Whatever the issue may be, it will be worth monitoring the situation over the coming weeks.
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