JAKARTA - Brazil forward Neymar has said he hopes Argentina will be their opponent in the Copa America final and there is no doubt that the hosts will have the upper hand against their arch-rivals.
Brazil beat Peru 1-0 in the semifinals in Rio de Janeiro on Monday (Tuesday CEST) thanks to Lucas Paqueta's 35th-minute goal to seal a place in the title decider at the Maracana Stadium on Saturday.
The second semifinal between Argentina and Colombia will be held on Wednesday.
#CopaAmérica O gol da classificação E a loucura do Brasil! Brazil Perú #VibraElContinente #VibraOContinente pic.twitter.com/MUpV30igM3
— Copa América (@CopaAmerica) July 6, 2021
"I want Argentina, I support them," Neymar said with a smile. "I have friends there and in the final Brazil will win."
The last time the two teams met in a Copa America final was in 2007, when Brazil won 3-0 in Venezuela, and the title clash between the fierce rivals will be a treat for the neutrals.
It will not only pit the unbeaten teams in the tournament but also be a showdown between the two best No.10s in the game, former Barcelona team-mates Neymar and Lionel Messi.
Both players have had an extraordinary tournament so far, with Neymar registering two goals and three assists, while Messi has four goals and four assists.
Brazil are the reigning champions and have the advantage of being the host of a tournament that should be co-hosted with Argentina and Colombia.
Colombia was stripped of its hosting rights due to a wave of civil unrest and Argentina pulled out at the last minute due to a surge in COVID-19 cases.
#CopaAmérica Dançando com Ney e Paquetá Brazil Perú #VibraElContinente #VibraOContinente pic.twitter.com/tUrRPrtAjr
— Copa América (@CopaAmerica) July 6, 2021
Neymar missed Brazil's Copa America victory at home two years ago but inspired them to the 2013 Confederations Cup and Olympic gold in Rio de Janeiro in 2016.
Messi, meanwhile, has won everything with his club Barcelona but has achieved nothing with Argentina, who are chasing their first major title since the 1993 Copa America.
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