Brazil beats bitter rival Argentina to reach Copa America final

Brazil is back in the Copa America final for the first time since 2007, as goals from Gabriel Jesus and Roberto Firmino on either side of halftime gave the Selecao a 2-0 win over bitter rival Argentina in Tuesday's semifinal clash.

The host nation will now play the winner of Wednesday's contest between Chile and Peru in the showpiece match at the Maracana on Sunday.

For Argentina, the loss brings an underwhelming tournament to an end. Lionel Messi, by his own admission, never hit top gear, while the team around him struggled mightily, with the Albiceleste scoring just five goals in as many matches during the competition.

The Argentines, defeated finalists in the previous two Copa Americas - and four of the last five editions coming into this summer's tournament - will remain stuck on 14 South American titles, one behind all-time leader Uruguay.

Brazil, meanwhile, is one step away from hoisting the continental crown for the ninth time.

Aside from a few frantic moments inside the Selecao penalty area when Argentina twice struck the frame of the goal, Brazil was largely in control in Belo Horizonte.

Jesus opened the scoring in the 19th minute, tapping the ball home from close range after some spectacular dribbling from Dani Alves, with the veteran leaving multiple defenders in his wake before finding Firmino, who then teed up Jesus' simple finish.

The Manchester City striker returned the favor in the 71st minute, showing off incredible strength and poise on the counterattack before setting up Firmino. The Liverpool star easily redirected the pass into a gaping net, putting the result beyond doubt.