Brazil advanced to the semifinals of Copa América 2021 with a 1-0 win despite playing most of the second half down a man after a horrible Gabriel Jesus red card vs Chile on Friday.
Halftime substitute Lucas Paquetá scored 59 seconds after coming into the match and two minutes before Jesus was sent off for a flying kick on Eugenio Mena.
First, the beautiful side of Brazil. Moments into the second half, the Seleção combined on a wonderful team goal finished off by Paquetá.
The Brazil celebrations were short lived as Tite’s side was reduced to 10 men because of the Gabriel Jesus red card. The Manchester City forward flew in with his boot way too high, connecting with Mena’s face and chest. The referee immediately pulled out his red and Jesus couldn’t complain.
Gabriel Jesus Red Card vs Chile
Mena is fortunate the high boot only grazed his face and most of the force hit his shoulder/chest, but that doesn’t change the fact it was a clear red card.
Despite going down a man, Chile couldn’t break down Brazil’s defense. Ederson, a somewhat surprising starter in goal over Alisson, made five saves, including tipping a header from Ben Brereton off the crossbar for what might’ve been the Chileans’ best chance.
Alexis Sánchez started for Chile but came off at halftime for Brereton, La Roja’s all-time leading scorer unable to provide much impact coming off an injury.
The match would have gone straight to penalties had Chile found an equalizer, as the earlier match did between Peru and Paraguay, who were tied 3-3 after 90 minutes. Peru advanced 4-3 in the shootout and will now play Brazil on Monday in Brasilia.
