Five key highlights from Brazil's win against Peru in Copa America 2021

Tite's side are now comrfortably placed on top of Group A after consecutive victories.

Brazil continued their flying start in Copa America 2021, as they cruised past Peru 4-0 on Thursday night. Alex Sandro, Neymar, Everton Ribeiro and Richarlison scored to make it two in two for Tite's side.

Despite creating six changes against the team that won against Venezuela, the Selecao did not find it very hard to beat Peru on the night. Experienced campaigners Thiago Silva and Neymar were instrumental in their own departments.

Overall it was yet another convincing win and established Brazil's status as one of the favourites in the tournament. Here are five key highlights from the game.

5. Brazil's decent first half

Brazil's opening halves, ever since Tite took the manager's job, have been similar in terms of tempo and gameplay. The five-time World Cup winners prefer to keep it at a leisurely pace and tire out their opponents in the second 45 minutes.

Continuing the trend, the Selecao were the inferior side of the two in terms of intensity in the first half. Peru controlled possession and had more attempts on goal than Brazil. Peru managed 55% of the ball, which resulted in five shots for Ricardo Gareca's side.

Brazil's gameplay largely focused on building play using both flanks rather than attacking the box. Despite getting the first goal in 12 minutes, Brazil did not look eager to make it 2-0 in the first half.

https://twitter.com/KhelNowWF/status/1405828069290508292

4. Increased intensity in second half

Tite made two changes at half-time, bringing in Richarlison and Everton Ribeiro. After a decent first half, Richarlison's inclusion hinted at Brazil's attempt to attack the box frequently. Tite's side did exactly that and as a result, Brazil scored three.

The Selecao completely switched gears as Gabriel Jesus, kept relatively quiet in the first half, began creating space for Richarlison to run into. Neymar was largely involved in delivering balls into the box for the two to finish. In this manner, Brazil's football was more direct and aimed towards creating in the final third. Everton Ribiero's goal, scored after a series of quick passes, was a testament to their attacking approach.

As a result, Brazil managed 68% of total possession, compared to 45% in the first half and attempted 13 shots in the second half. Tite's side look to be executing their plan of switching the gameplay at half-time well.

3. Fabinho's midfield performance

One of six changes made by Tite included Casemiro, who put on a world-class performance in the tournament opener. Fabinho, as a result, was assigned to take up his place in the lineup.

Continuing the rhythm, Fabinho had a good match like his compatriot. The Liverpool midfielder was vital in Brazil's progression through the middle, completing 81 passes with an accuracy of 91%. Putting that into context, Fabinho played 18% of the total accurate passes that Brazil managed in the game.

In addition, Fabinho did a good job in screening the backline. Put ahead of Thiago Silva and Eder Militao, he intercepted and broke up Peru's attacks on several occasions. Winning eight ground duels and two aerials, Fabinho clearly indicated his stance to start in the games to come for Brazil.

[KH_ADWORDS type="3" align="center"][/KH_ADWORDS]

2. Brazil's finishing inaccuracy

For a country like Brazil, producing lethal finishers has never been a problem. From Pele, Garriincha, Zico to Ronaldo, the South American nation has seen some of the greatest finishers in football. This, however, has not quite been the case in Brazil's recent performances.

Like in the tournament opener, they created more and had more attempts on target than their opponents. Despite all this, Brazil's accuracy in front of goal has not matched their dominant style of football in any terms. On Thursday night, the Canaries managed 17 shots with eight off target. In addition, the forwards, including Richarlison, Jesus and Everton are yet to repeat their club performances in the national team jersey.

1. Neymar's captivating performance

Neymar has been Tite's main man so far and it does not seem likely to change anytime soon. The PSG superstar was the centre of Brazil's attacks. He was the one, who setup Alex Sandro for Brazil's first of the match. The Peruvian defence was able to keep the No. 10 quite for the rest of the first half and as a result, Brazil were forced to find attacking alternatives.

However, that did not last long in the second half. Neymar turned to shoot in the 68th minute to double Brazil's lead, as the ball went past Peru goalkeeper Pedro Gallese. Throughout the match, the 29-year old was seen operating outside the box, setting up teammates for shots as well as taking one or two himself.

With his second of the tournament, Neymar is now just nine goals shy of being Brazil's all-time top scorer, a title currently held by Pele.

For more updates, follow Khel Now on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.