Brazil booked their place in the Copa America final with a 2-0 win over Argentina which saw Roberto Firmino score and assist and Alisson keep a clean sheet.
It was a perfect night for the Reds duo as they came up against Lionel Messi in a second semi-final as many months.
Argentina outnumbered the hosts in terms of shots, with 14 to four, but they lacked a clinical edge as both Messi and Sergio Aguero hit the post, finding the target twice to Brazil’s three.
Gabriel Jesus put Tite’s side ahead on 19 minutes after great work from Dani Alves, who broke into space and fed Firmino on the right.
Liverpool’s No. 9 laid it onto his Man City counterpart for an easy finish:
? Dani Alves like a fine wine
? The perfect assist from Bobby Firmino
? Gabriel Jesus with the finish
Brilliant Brazil#CopaAmerica pic.twitter.com/oQ2OPNuK9i
— Watch Copa América 2019 live on Premier Sports ? (@PremierSportsTV) 3 July 2019
There were injuries scares for both Alisson and Firmino within minutes of each other in the first half, but both recovered to play the full 90 minutes.
Alisson was called into action just after the hour mark as Messi stepped up for a free-kick closer to goal than his incredible strike at the Nou Camp.
This time the goalkeeper won the battle, as while Messi’s set-piece was soaring towards the top corner, somehow Alisson was able to catch it and hold onto it to keep the score at 1-0.
And soon after, Brazil had got their double, courtesy of a lightning break from Jesus who squared the ball across the box to return the favour as Firmino tapped in:
Gabriel Jesus & Bobby Firmino ?
WHAT A COMBO!!
Brazil lead 2-0 ??#CopaAmerica pic.twitter.com/mpFW0l5Z4f
— Watch Copa América 2019 live on Premier Sports ? (@PremierSportsTV) 3 July 2019
It was Firmino’s second of the tournament, and with three assists to his name too, no player has directly contributed to more goals than the 27-year-old (five).
No goalkeeper has more clean sheets than Alisson, either, with five in five games for the No. 1 ensuring the most shutouts in his third competition of the campaign.
Brazil now await their opponents for the final on July 7, with Chile and Peru contesting the other semi-final, and their progress ensures a late return to pre-season with Liverpool.
The club typically provide players with a three-week break following the conclusion of their international duties, which would see Alisson and Firmino miss the tour of the United States.
If that is the case, they could return for either the clash with Napoli in Edinburgh (July 28), or more likely the training camp in France which sees a short trip to Geneva to play Lyon (July 31).
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