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RIO DE JANEIRO, July 7-- Everton and Gabriel Jesus struck first-half goals before Richarlison converted a late penalty as hosts Brazil defeated Peru 3-1 in the Copa America final here on Sunday. Gremio forward Everton opened the scoring at the Maracana on 15 minutes by rifling in a first-time effort. Peru captain Paolo Guerrero netted from the penalty spot in the 44th minute. Jesus restored Brazil's lead by slotting in a cool finish after a counter-attack on the stroke of halftime. Brazil were reduced to 10 men in the 70th minute when Jesus was shown a second yellow card for catching Carlos Zambrano with an elbow as both were jostling for the ball. But the-five time world champions were unshaken and sealed the victory in the 90th minute when Richarlison held his nerve from the spot after Everton was brought down by Zambrano. It is the ninth time that Brazil have lifted the football's oldest international continental trophy, which was first played in 1916. Their last triumph came in 2007 when they beat Argentina 3-0 in Venezuela. Both sides entered today's final without changes to their starting lineups. Zambrano, Andre Carrillo and Edison Flores, who did not begin in Peru's 5-0 loss to Brail in the group stage, started their third match in succession for Ricardo Gareca's outfit. For Brazil, Alex Sandro retained his place ahead of the fit-again Filipe Luis after the Juventus left-back's impressive display in the 2-0 semifinal defeat of Argentina. | 
