Star forward Neymar set up Lucas Paqueta to score the only goal as hosts Brazil beat Peru 1-0 on Monday to qualify for the Copa America final.
The semi-final was a repeat of the last final, two years ago, when a Brazil team shorn of 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 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 totally dominated the first half at the empty Nilton Santos stadium but had to survive some nervous moments after the break before securing a spot in the final.They deservedly took the lead 10 minutes before halftime after Peru gave the ball away in midfield for the umpteenth time.
Neymar’s tinkling toes got him free of three defenders in the box and he teed up Paqueta to fire home from 12 yards.
Peru 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 just six yards out.