Controversial goal sends Brazil out of Copa America Centenario

The Copa America Centenario erupted into controversy after a refereeing blunder sent Brazil crashing to a 1-0 defeat against Peru -- and out of the tournament. The defeat left Brazil struggling to digest their worst performance in the Copa America since 1987, the last occasion the five-time world champions failed to make it past the group stage.

Brazil, needing only a draw to qualify for the quarter-finals as winners of Group B, looked to be on course for a place in the last eight with 15 minutes to go against Peru. But a rare foray into Brazilian territory from Peru ended with Raul Ruidiaz bundling in Andy Polo’s cross from the byline, appearing to use his arm to score. Brazil’s players protested furiously, swarming around Cunha in a bid to persuade the official to reverse his decision.

After a chaotic delay of around four minutes -- with players from both sides surrounding the referee -- Cunha ruled the goal should stand. Multiple replays from different angles however showed that Ruidiaz had used his arm to knock the ball into the net past Brazil keeper Alisson.

Elias squandered a golden chance from close range in injury time and Brazil’s fate was sealed.