Copa America 2019: three reasons why Brazil beat Peru

It may be hard to believe, but Brazil won their first Copa America title in 12 years and ninth Copa America overall. Despite having a glittering squad, the Selecao have somehow struggled in recent editions of the tournament.

Brazil thrashed Peru 3-1 in the final showdown to lift the coveted trophy. Goals from Everton, Gabriel Jesus and Richarlison were enough to see off the Peruvians.

The game was worthy of a final as it had everything one wanted to see; free-flowing football, cards being flashed, penalties and a lot of drama to cap off one of the most controversial Copa America tournaments

Here we take a look at three reasons why Brazil beat Peru in the finals.

#3. Arthur and Casemiro bossed the midfield

Real Madrid and Barcelona midfielders run the show.

Arthur Melo and Casemiro ran the midfield show for the champions. The Barcelona midfielder added balance to the side while the Real Madrid man provided an extra shield to the defense

Arthur was just exemplary on Sunday night as he put on a performance that displayed his startling maturity at just 22 years of age. The Barcelona man was all over the park for Tite's side and was pulling the strings for his side maintaining the tempo of the game. He did not shy away from taking risks and moving round in tight spaces. Arthur's brilliant vision allowed Brazil to regain the lead before going into the half-time break as he collected the ball in the middle of the park and set up Gabriel Jesus with a perfect pass who slotted it home.

Meanwhile Casemiro was a rock as always. The Real Madrid man won seven out of the eight tackles he attempted, most by any player on the pitch. The 27-year-old also won 13 duels and provided Thiago Silva and Marquinhos some assistance by acting as a shield to the Brazilian defense.

#2. Everton and Gabriel Jesus shine at the right time

Brazil v Peru: Final - Copa America Brazil 2019

Neymar's injury was a big blow to the Brazilian national squad and it was believed that Tite's men will go down once again without their talisman. But one man who announced himself to the world in the absence of their main man was Everton Soares.

Many were surprised to see the Gremio star in the lineup after an average performance against Argentina but the 23-year-old did not disappoint. The attacker caused all kinds of trouble for the Peruvian defense as he kept them busy all night with all the tricks in his kitty.

Everton put the hosts up early as he slotted Gabriel Jesus' cross after skipping his marker with ease. The Brazilian was not done for the night as he was involved in Brazil's third as well. He was so hot to handle for the Peruvians that he had to be stopped by unfair means which led to the hosts getting a penalty which was coolly dispatched by Richarlison.

Jesus, after enduring a tough year with Manchester City reignited his form for the national team and took it upon himself to take his side all the way. Continuing his red-hot form from the game against Argentina, he came into the finals with the same aim.

Jesus had a night of mixed emotions. The Cityzens forward set up Everton early on in the game for Brazil's opener with a wonderful cross and moving further netted Brazil's second as he helped his side regain the lead just before the break.

The 22-year-old striker was having one of his best nights, but a double yellow saw him go down the tunnel in tears.

#1. Tite: The man behind Brazil's success

Brazil v Peru: Final - Copa America Brazil 2019

Tite is the main reason this Brazilian squad has finally lifted the Copa America trophy after a long wait of 12 years. The Brazilian squad have always been considered strong contenders to win whichever tournament they take part in but it was Tite who made them the favorites in the Copa this time.

Various managers came and went for the Selecao over the last few years but none were able to deliver the goods. The 58-year-old, however, came in and revolutionized the squad. He brought in Casemiro to provide stability and protection to his defense after his amazing performances for Real Madrid and he has been a constant in the squad ever since.

The faith he has put in the youngsters has been one of the key factors in his success. Arthur, Jesus, Everton, Eder Militao, Lucas Paqueta and Richarlison have all repaid his faith. The Brazilian boss's rotation policy kept them fresh till the very end of the tournament and that is also one strategy that worked perfectly for him. He assembled a squad which had the perfect blend of experienced players and young blood.

The trust he put in his players even after failing in some games has finally paid off as all the players have come good at the right time. Tite built a perfectly-balanced squad which had the right balance of attack, defense and stability that helped him cope with Neymar's absence.