Neymar stars as Brazil edge Peru to make Copa America final

Lucas Paqueta grabs the only goal as hosts and holders aim for another trophy

Brazil's Lucas Paqueta, left, celebrates with teammate Neymar after scoring his side's opening goal against Peru during the Copa America semi-final at Nilton Santos stadium in Rio de Janeiro.

Brazil's Neymar in action during the semi-final against Peru.

Brazil's Neymar gestures.

Brazil's Neymar lies in the field at the Nilton Santos Stadium in Rio de Janeiro.

Brazil's Neymar and Fabinho celebrate at the end of their victory over Peru in the Copa America semi-final.

Neymar speaks with the linesman.

Brazil's Lucas Paqueta celebrates after scoring his side's opening goal.

Lucas Paqueta celebrates scoring their first goal with Neymar.

Star forward Neymar set up Lucas Paqueta to score the only goal as hosts Brazil beat Peru 1-0 to qualify for the Copa America final.

The semi-final was a repeat of the last final, two years ago, when a Brazil team missing the injured Neymar also triumphed on home soil.

The Selecao will play either Lionel Messi's Argentina or Colombia, who meet in Brasilia on Wednesday, in Saturday's final at Rio de Janeiro's iconic Maracana stadium.

"I want Argentina. I'm supporting Argentina because I have friends there and Brazil will win the final," said Neymar.

"Paqueta is a great player, he's getting better in every game and in every game with the national team," he said about the 23-year-old match winner, who plays his club football for Lyon in France.

"He's just had a great season with his club and is showing that he can be a very important player for the Brazilian national team."

Brazil dominated the first half at the empty Nilton Santos stadium in Rio but had to survive some nervous moments after the break before securing the win.

They opened up Peru on eight minutes as Paqueta's pass sent Richarlison in behind the defence, but after beating goalkeeper Pedro Gallese to the ball, the forward tried to pull it back to Neymar who blazed high and wide under pressure.

Gallese spilled a fierce Casemiro free-kick from distance but gathered the loose ball before winger Everton could turn in the rebound.

Brazil were turning the screw and Everton cut in off the right wing but shot straight at Gallese.

The Peruvian shot-stopper was the busiest player on the pitch in the first 25 minutes and after saving another Casemiro drive from distance he made an incredible double point-blank save from Neymar and then Richarlison.

Peru were non-existent as an attacking force and when they did manage to win a corner just after the half hour, they ended up playing the ball all the way back to Gallese.

Brazil deservedly took the lead 10 minutes before halftime after Peru gave the ball away in midfield for the umpteenth time.

Neymar's quick feet got him free of three defenders in the box and he teed up Paqueta to fire home from 12 yards.

Peru finally had their first attempt at goal on the counter attack four minutes after halftime, but goalkeeper Ederson comfortably parried Gianluca Lapadula's powerful drive.

They should have been level nine minutes from time when Yoshimar Yotun fired a free-kick into the box and Alexander Callens beat Ederson to the ball but headed wide from six yards.

It would prove their last chance and coach Ricardo Gareca rued their sluggish start. "We paid for being slow to settle into the game," he said.

"The team reacted well in the second half and it was even."