Things got tough for Brazil in their Copa America opener against Peru. After surrendering an early goal before the fourth minute of the game, the Brazilian got completely stunned and the crowd was silenced. Neymar, however, had something to say and he managed to change the game as the FC Barcelona star scored the equalizer with a brilliant header and set up the game winner on stoppage time with a delighful pass to Douglas Costa to seal La Canarinha's win.
The match started under a steady rain and it seemed as if that impacted how both sides approached the game. Peru made their presence felt in the third minute when Cristian Cueva found the back of the net after a huge defensive mistake. David Luiz failed to attack a ball, Miranda couldn't clear the ball and Jefferson's clearance fell straight to the Alianza winger who netted home from close range to put La Bicolor up early in the match.
Brazil would even things up rather quickly. A good attacking move on the right flank by Dani Alves found Neymar who had acres of space since Luis Advincula lost his marking. The FC Barcelona star nodded the ball home past Pedro Gallese and the game was even after the first five minutes.
Brazil opted to move the ball forward through the middle of the pitch as Neymar carried the team on his back. He participated in every single attack of La Canarinha and even though Brazil couldn't score another goal in the first half, they were clearly the better as Peru was simply focused on the defensive side of the ball. Jefferson Farfan, Joel Sanchez and Carlos Lobaton made some quality touches in midfield - the Sporting Cristal playmaker had the best chance for Peru but his long-range effort was well stopped by Jefferson.
The second half saw a Brazilian side much more dangerous as they monopolized both the possession and the scoring chances. Neymar rattled the crossbar from outside the box early on and both Willian and Douglas Costa had some decent opportunities to find the back of the net looking to put his side on the lead.
Peru manager Ricardo Gareca tried to close things out and sent Yoshimar Yotun to replace Juan Vargas in an attempt to solidify things on the left side of the defense, but the Malmö defender would have direct responsibility in Brazil's second goal. Neymar dribbled the ball around on the left flank and he managed to slice a through ball that Yotun couldn't stop so Douglas Costa had acres of space inside the box. Even though Gallese tried to close out the angle, it was too late as the Shakhtar Donetsk winger had already scored to give Brazilian a win in a game they could - and should - have closed out much sooner.
Brazil got the win and now they are in prime position to reach the quarterfinals, something they could clinch if they defeat Colombia on Wednesday night. Peru, on the other hand, had a decent performance but it wasn't enough to unsettle one of the best teams in the world. They will look to win their first points on Thursday where they will play against Venezuela.