Gabriel Jesus and Roberto Firmino provided the one-two punch as Brazil booked their place in the Copa America Final, but the hosts needed a fair amount of fortune as Argentina twice hit the woodwork through Sergio Aguero and Lionel Messi.

Argentina dominated long phases of the game but couldn’t quite force the goals they deserved, and there were some mixed performances within the Brazilian ranks as they advanced to the final.

Check out how everyone fared with our full player ratings.

Alisson 6. Hurt himself attempting to stop Aguero’s header against the bar, but recovered to give a solid display.

Alves 9. A hugely impressive action-packed and tireless display, including brilliant work to spark the move for the opener.

Marquinhos 6. Made a key block from Aguero’s first half shot and just about survived a tough test before being injured.

Silva 7. Had a far from easy encounter as Argentina mounted sustained pressure, but showed leadership and calm authority.

Sandro 6. Balanced Alves’s swashbuckling style by focussing on defence, keeping an eye on Messi’s incursions from the flank.

Casemiro 5. Aggressive presence in midfield, but he didn’t always protect his defence and offered little with the ball.

Arthur 5. Struggled to impose himself as Argentina controlled much of the possession. Had a 20-yard snapshot easily saved.

Jesus 8. Easily Brazil’s best attacker, sweeping home the first goal from close range and making a thrilling run to set up the second.

Coutinho 5. Produced some moments of class but squandered possession too easily, and stabbed a good chance over the top.

Everton 4. Barely had a kick during a very disappointing first half, and was replaced by Willian during the interval.

Firmino 7. Perfect cross to assist the opener and added the second on a breakaway. Classy display to lead the line.

Substitutes

Willian 5. A half-time introduction for Everton, he worked hard defensively but had little impact at the other end.

Miranda 6. Replaced the injured Marquinhos for the last half-hour. Solid enough to stem the threat of Aguero and Martinez.

Allan 6. A late replacement for match-winner Jesus, and helped run down the clock by keeping hold of the ball.

ARGENTINA

Armani 6. Had no chance with either goal and was commanding with everything else Brazil threw at him – which wasn’t much.

Foyth 6. Caught napping for the second goal after largely holding his own at right-back, without offering much attacking threat.

Pezzella 6. Less dominant inside the penalty area than previous games, finding it hard against Firmino’s clever movement.

Otamendi 6. Made some key interventions but often looked on the verge of a disaster, and was beaten for both goals.

Tagliafico 5. Had a tough night against Brazil’s strong combination of Alves and Jesus, often looking vulnerable at the back.

De Paul 7. Strong presence on the right, contributing plenty in defence and attack. Blasted a decent chance over the bar.

Paredes 7. Came close with a 30-yard piledriver and gave an assertive performance in front of his back four, using the ball well.

Acuna 5. Battled away down the left but lacked quality on the ball. Second best in his duel with Alves and replaced.

Messi 7. By far his brightest performance of the tournament, creating two chances for Aguero and crashing a shot against the post.

Martinez 6. Worked hard to link play with good mobility and movement, and had a half-hit volley saved by Alisson.

Lautaro Martinez

Aguero 6. Hit the bar with a header from a free-kick and had another shot blocked. Worked hard but couldn’t find a way through.

Substitutes

Di Maria 5. Came on for Acuna after an hour but unable to offer much down the left, other than one dangerous cross.

Lo Celso 5. Intended to add creativity to the midfield, but Brazil scored soon after his introduction and he made little difference.

Dybala 6. A last and desperate throw of the dice in the latter stages, he tried to add a spark but it was too late.