The City striker produced an excellent first half showing to help Tite’s side to their first piece of major silverware since 2007 - but it proved to be a night of mixed emotions for the forward, as he was sent off with 20 minutes remaining for a second yellow card.
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An eventful evening ended with the right result for our youngster (and unused substitutes Ederson and Fernandinho) though, as Brazil won the tournament for the first time in 12 years.
Gabriel Jesus had proved the star of the opening 45 minutes, finding the net on the brink of half-time to restore his side’s lead, after Paolo Guerrero had cancelled out Everton’s 15th-minute effort from the penalty spot.
The Premier League Champion continued his impressive form, ensuring he played a part in four of Brazil’s last four goals (two strikes and two assists).
He turned architect for Brazil’s opener with a quick change of pace and excellent turn to deceive two markers, before clipping a cross into the path of Everton to sweep home. An assist any winger would have been proud of!
Peru offered little in terms of goalmouth action in the opening 45 but levelled from the spot just before the break, following Thiago Silva’s handball - confirmed by VAR.
The respite would last just four minutes though, as Gabriel Jesus regained the advantage on the stroke of half-time.
The 22-year-old latched onto Roberto Firmino’s pass before sweeping past Pedro Gallese for his seventh goal in nine games.
Our forward’s night turned sour on 70 minutes however when he was shown a second yellow for a challenge on Carlos Zambrano, having been cautioned for a foul on Yoshimar Yotun in the first half.
The City man was visibility distraught in the tunnel but tears of sadness turned to elation in the dying moments as substitute Richarlison sealed the win, drilling the game’s second penalty into the bottom corner, after Zambrano had upended Everton.
The final whistle sparked scenes of joy for The Seleção, with our City trio racing onto the pitch to celebrate.
Congratulations, Brazil.
