Peru Beats Alexis Sanchez, Chile; Advances to 2019 Copa America Final vs. Brazil

Peru is on to the final at the 2019 Copa America after taking care of business in the semifinal with a 3-0 victory over Chile on Wednesday.

Edison Flores got Peru off to a fast start with an early goal at Gremio Arena, and Yoshimar Yotun and Paolo Guerrero also got on the board in the victory. An impressive Pedro Gallese recorded seven saves en route to a clean sheet.

Chile held a clear edge in possession (65-35 percent) through the opening 45-plus minutes, but it was Peru that held a commanding two-goal lead at the break.

The tone was set early, as Flores put a great finish past Chile goalkeeper Gabriel Arias to the far post in the 21st minute.

Peru was able to double its lead late in the first half when Arias ventured a bit too far out of the box and left the net wide open:

While Peru managed just two shots on goal in the first half, it made the most of its opportunities in the form of a 2-0 halftime lead.

Chile managed to create a number of chances in the second half, piling up a total of 13 shots after halftime, with six being put on target. However, it was not able to get anything by Gallese.

Guerrero put the game away for Peru with a stoppage-time goal.

With the loss, the two-time defending champs have been denied a third consecutive trip to the final. Chile defeated Argentina in the championship game in both 2015 and 2016.

Meanwhile, this marks Peru's first final berth in more than four decades. It has made two Copa America championship games in its history, previously doing so in 1939 and 1975.

What's Next?

Peru will take on Brazil for the 2019 Copa America crown Sunday at 4 p.m. ET in Rio de Janeiro. Meanwhile, Chile will battle Argentina in the third-place match.

Of note, Brazil defeated Peru 5-0 in the final match of group play on June 22. Brazil had five different goal scorers (Casemiro, Roberto Firmino, Everton, Dani Alves and Willian) in a match it led nearly from start to finish.