Peru dominate Copa America team of the semi-finals after shock Chile win
Here we run through the best rated XI from the semi-finals of this summer’s Copa America, which is unsurprisingly dominated by finalists Brazil and Peru
Goalkeeper: Pedro Gallese (Peru) – 9.12 rating
Peru dumped defending champions Chile out of the semi-finals and goalkeeper Pedro Gallese finished the round as the top WhoScored rated player. Gallese made seven saves, including a stoppage time penalty, to ensure Peru advanced to this weekend’s final without conceding.
Right-back: Dani Alves (Brazil) – 7.94 rating
Dani Alves turned in another superb performance for Brazil, as the hosts knocked out rivals Argentina 2-0. The 36-year-old showed great trickery, completing five dribbles, while also making four tackles and interceptions combined to help Brazil keep yet another clean sheet at the tournament.
Centre-back: Guillermo Maripan (Chile) – 7.09 rating
Chile were shocked 3-0 by Peru in their last four encounter but it certainly wasn’t for a lack of effort on Guillermo Maripan’s part. The 25-year-old won at least three more aerial duels (eight) than any other player on the pitch. Maripan also made four tackles and interceptions combined and completed four clearances.
Centre-back: Thiago Silva (Brazil) – 7.15 rating
Brazil only managed four shots against Argentina so it was down to their backline to keep things tight. While Argentina managed 14 attempts, just two were on target and only three were taken from inside Brazil’s penalty area. Thiago Silva turned in a commanding display at the back to limit and oozed composure, completing 95.1% of his passes.
Left-back: Miguel Trauco (Peru) – 7.45 rating
Peru had goalkeeper Pedro Gallese to thank for keeping a clean sheet but left-back Miguel Trauco certainly kept Chile right-winger Jose Pedro Fuenzalida quiet. The 26-year-old made six tackles and interceptions combined and six clearances, while winning four aerial duels.
Right wing: Gabriel Jesus (Brazil) – 8.67 rating
Gabriel Jesus’ wait for a major tournament goal for Brazil finally came to an end as the Manchester City striker netted in a 2-0 win over Argentina. Not only that, but Jesus assisted Brazil’s other goal and finished as the second highest WhoScored rated player across the two semi-final matches.
Central midfield: Renato Tapia (Peru) – 8.57 rating
Peru’s victory over Chile was underpinned by two sensational midfield performances by Renato Tapia and Yoshimar Yotun, who both make the XI. Starting with Tapia, the 23-year-old registered one assist, completed four dribbles and made four tackles and interceptions combined.
Central midfield: Yoshimar Yotun (Peru) – 8.14 rating
Moving on to Yotun, the 29-year-old scored one of Peru’s three goals and weighed in with eight tackles and interceptions combined. The Peruvian midfielder had two attempts on goal in total and won three free-kicks for his side.
Left wing: Edison Flores (Peru) – 7.61 rating
Edison Flores was only on the pitch for 49 minutes but the 25-year-old certainly left his mark on Peru’s semi-final triumph. Flores scored one goal from his three shots and completed one dribble. Despite being deployed in a forward position, he helped out when Peru did not have possession. Flores made two tackles and interceptions combined and two clearances during his time on the pitch.
Striker: Paolo Guerrero (Peru) – 8.61 rating
This could prove Paolo Guerrero’s final major tournament at the age of 35 and the veteran striker is certainly giving it his all. Peru winning the 2019 Copa America would be a fairytale story and they will need their captain to be at his best if they have a chance of beating Brazil in the final. Against Chile, Guerrero scored once, registered three key passes and completed five dribbles.
Striker: Roberto Firmino (Brazil) – 8.28 rating
Roberto Firmino has made leading the line for Brazil his own this summer, ahead of Gabriel Jesus, who has been forced to play out wide. Like Jesus, Firmino scored and assisted against Argentina, doing so with his only shot of the game and only key pass. The Liverpool striker also made two tackles and completed three dribbles.