Alisson Becker has enforced himself as the first-choice goalkeeper for Brazil and his heroics today showed us why he’s regarded as one of the best keepers in the world.
After enduring a successful season that saw Liverpool win the UEFA Champions League and finish second with a remarkable 97 points in the Premier League, Alisson now has the chance to add to his success this season.
Brazil are in the semis of the Copa America after defeating Paraguay 4-3 on penalties.
Brazil faced Paraguay in Porto Alegre, the hometown of Alisson. The local boy was decisive in Brazil’s progress to the semi-finals.
Brazil dominated the proceedings. They had possession as well as attempts but a stubborn Paraguay defence managed to keep the score-sheet at 0-0. Paraguay were reduced to 10 men in the 58th minute but Brazil could not capitalize on the advantage.
During penalties, Alisson gave Brazil the perfect start with a save on Gustavo Gomez’ attempt. The teams went on to score their subsequent penalties until Roberto Firmino horrendously shot his penalty wide.
Following Firmino’s miss, Alisson watched Derlis Gonzalez’s effort go wide giving Brazil the chance to decide their own faith. Gabriel Jesus stepped up and comfortably sent Brazil to semi-finals. The whole stadium cheered after what looked like another defeat in the Copa America as they have been suffering in the past 3 editions.
“This is a team that deserved the win today,” Alisson very sportingly acknowledges his teammates in today’s victory. A classy and selfless act by the Liverpool No 1.
Brazil will now wait to see who they face in the semi-final round. Argentina and Venezuela will battle it out in the quarter-final later tonight.
Venezuela have already met Brazil in the group stages and played out a 0-0 draw. Argentina have gone to great lengths to make it into the quarter-finals after a string of disappointing performances.
As favourites of the tournament, Brazil will not pay much attention to whom they have to face. With ridiculously gifted talent and the home support, this could finally be Brazil’s first international trophy victory in 10 years since their Confederations Cup victory in 2009
Superhuman stuff this from the Liverpool goalie! Watch as Alisson makes a couple of very decisive saves during the game –