On Saturday night, Copa America hosts Brazil hammered Peru 5-0 to finish top of Group A and progress into the last eight of the competition.

Selecao find their mojo

Brazil had looked rather laboured at times at the Copa America without talisman Neymar. However, the Selecao seemed to rediscover their mojo in this clash. The hosts took the lead through an unlikely source on 12 minutes, as defensive midfielder Casemiro headed home after a scramble in the Peru area.

Tite’s side doubled their lead seven minutes later. Roberto Firmino charged down a kick from Peru goalkeeper Pedro Gallese. The ball rebounded on to the post and the Liverpool forward pounced on to the rebound, rounding Gallese and firing into an unguarded net.

The Selecao virtually sealed the win on 32 minutes through the impressive Everton. The winger cut in from the left flank and fired a low effort past Gallese at his near post. Veteran full-back added a fourth on 53 minutes, smashing home an effort into the roof of the net after a good team move.

Chelsea winger Willian completed the rout in the 90^th minute by smashing home an effort from outside the penalty area. There was still time for Gallese to save an injury-time spot-kick from Gabriel Jesus. However, in truth, the effort mattered little in the context of the game.

The result means that Brazil finished top of Group A on seven points, with Venezuela finishing second on five points after a 3-1 defeat of group whipping boys Bolivia. Finishing top of the group means that the Selecao will play one of the two teams that finish third in their group.

Everton the key for the hosts

The much of the Copa America 2019 campaign Brazil seem to have lacked that magical spark often brought by one special player. The likes of Ronaldinho, Ronaldo and Romario have lit up previous Brazilian teams in tournaments down the years.

With Neymar absent, it means that the whole team has to take responsibility for the performances. They cannot hide behind one player’s brilliance. Against Peru, it seemed to come together. One noticeable factor in the win was one key change made by Tite paid off. The Brazilian boss dropped Everton’s Richarlison and brought in winger Everton, ironically, who once again impressed for the Selecao.

The 23-year-old won man of the match, having previously impressed from the bench in the opening game. He looks to have done enough to convince boss Tite that he deserves to start in the Selecao’s quarter-final.

Still one of the favourites to lift the trophy

As usual, Brazil started the Copa America as one of the favourites to lift the trophy. Not much has changed in the betting, as they are still one of the favourites to claim victory on home soil.

If Brazil plays as they did on Saturday night, then they will have a big chance of ending their Copa America drought dating back twelve years. However, the likes of holders Chile, Colombia and Uruguay will have other ideas, though.

Will Brazil win the Copa America on home soil?