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WATCH: Brazil Eliminated From Copa America After Handball Goal

WATCH: Brazil Eliminated From Copa America After Handball Goal

Controversial finish dumps Dunga's men out of competition

Joe Baiamonte

Joe Baiamonte

Another major tournament, another disappointing early exit for Brazil. Quarter-finalists at last year's Copa America, Dunga's men have not even made it past the group stages this time round, after a shock 1-0 defeat to Peru.

The Peruvians had not beaten Brazil in 31 years, prior to last night's match at the Gillette Stadium, in New England. However, thanks to a 75th minute goal from Raúl Ruidíaz, the Brazilians are now having to focus their attention on the Rio Olympics to help save what is becoming another disappointing tournament year, after a forgettable 2015 Copa America and a disastrous 2014 World Cup on home soil, when Germany demolished them 7-1 in the semi-finals.

However, Dunga and his team will feel aggrieved, as replays prove that Ruidiaz blatantly handballed his effort into the net and therefore the goal shouldn't have stood. Players from both teams surrounded the match officials who, after two minutes of deliberation and without the benefit of video technology, awarded the goal to Peru, who saw out the remaining minutes of the game to advance through to the quarter-finals.

The five time World Champions will be eagerly anticipating the return of Neymar, who sat out the Centenario in order to be fresh for the Olympics. Brazil failed to score in two of their three matches, in America and will be in desperate need of their captain's influence come the Olympics in Rio.

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Topics: Football, Copa America Centenario, Copa America, Brazil