Despite playing the whole second half with ten men due to Gabriel Jesus’ straight red card, Brazil overcame Chile in the Copa America quarterfinals in Rio on Friday night.
After 20 minutes, Neymar found Roberto Firmino at Claudio Bravo’s far post, but the Liverpool striker utterly missed the target when he appeared to be the most likely to score.
Soon after, Ederson was called into action to deny an Eduardo Vargas shot after the Chilean attacker had fooled Thiago Silva with a couple of moves on a great individual effort.
Jesus had a good chance to put Brazil ahead shortly before halftime after being played in by Neymar, but his effort was deflected over the bar by Bravo, and the score remained 0-0 at the break.
Second-half substitute Lucas Paqueta scored 60 seconds after coming on after the break, volleying home from close range after a magnificent bit of build-up play by Brazil.
After a violent high kick that wounded Eugenio Mena in the face and shoulder immediately after Brazil had taken the lead, Jesus was sent off with a straight red in the second half. It was an overly needless tackle that put Brazil in so much pressure at the time.
With the additional man, Chile increased the pressure, but Tite’s side stood firm and saw out the win.
As a result of the outcome, Brazil will face Peru in the Copa America semifinals, after Peru defeated Paraguay earlier in the day.
Argentina will face Ecuador in the other quarter-final on Saturday, while Uruguay will face Colombia.
The Copa America is starting to shape up and Brazil can now fancy themselves a spot in the finals.
