Brazil Headed to Copa America Semi-Finals

While many Liverpool players battle for European dominance, across the world our Brazilians are trying to bring their country South American victory in the Copa America.

On Friday night, they came one step closer to lifting the trophy when Brazil beat Chile 1-0 to move onto the semi-finals. Roberto Firmino was the only Liverpool player to feature in the match. He missed a golden opportunity to score in the 20th minute when Neymar picked him out in a nice bit of play from the Brazilians. However, Firmino missed the target completely and the chance was lost. He played the first 45 minutes of a stalemate before being subbed out at halftime for goalscorer Lucas Paqueta.

Fabinho and, surprisingly, Alisson both sat this one out as unused substitutes. Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson got the call instead from manager Tite. Having two of the world’s best goalkeepers at his disposal seems like one of a manager’s better problems. Tite seems to be solving it by rotating them out. Ederson has now guarded the goal for two of Brazil’s five Copa America games, while Alisson has been in charge the other three.

Paqueta’s goal came only a minute after the restart. The Selecao managed to hold onto that lead despite going down to 10 men only two minutes after the goal was scored. Gabriel Jesus was sent off with a straight red following a dangerous high-kick tackle to the face of Chilean player Eugenio Mena.

Their next challenge will be Peru, when they face them in Rio de Janeiro on Monday.