The former captain of the Brazilian national team, Cafu, insisted that his country's national team is supported by his good performance in the tournament and the fans and will face in the final of the CONMEBOL Copa America a rival of respect as the selection of Peru.
"Brazil plays at home, has the support of its fans, has made the best performance so far, the best attack, the best defense, that does not mean it will win the game. The game has to be played and Peru has its merits to reach the final and deserves respect", he said in statements to the press.
Peru lost 5-0 in the group stage against Brazil, qualified for the quarter-finals as third in Group A and recovered, defeated Uruguay on penalties and overcame Chile 3-0 in the semi-finals. The Canarinha, meanwhile, has not lost a single game so far.
The most important thing for Cafu is for Brazil to continue playing as they have done so far in order to win. "To play loose, free, several touches of ball and everybody standing out", he considered.
"Brazil has to pay attention to the whole team. Not just one player. The Peruvian attack is very fast and has already shown that it's not afraid of anyone, it goes on top, it scores goals, it's a very compact team in defense and midfield, they play together and make it difficult for the opponent to play", he said.
Brazil have never lost a Copa America at home and hope this time around is no exception. Peru, meanwhile, return to a final of this tournament after 44 years.
The match will take place this Sunday at the Maracana in Rio de Janeiro at 5 p.m. in Brasilia.
AFP
