WE’LL DRIVE BRAZIL NUTS

Toon legend Solano says his Peru side can work Maracana miracle to upset Firmino, Jesus & Co

PERU are aiming to revive ‘the curse of the Maracana’ when they take on Brazil in today’s Copa America final in Rio.

The phrase was first coined when Brazil were mugged by Uruguay in the 1950 World Cup final in front of almost 200,000 disbelieving home fans.

Now former Newcastle favourite Nolberto Solano is hoping his native country can pull off a similar smashand-grab raid this evening.

Solano ( below) is currently the assistant coach of Peru who have upset the odds to make it to their first Copa America final since 1975.

And he believes the pressure on Brazil of playing in front of their home fans could play into the hands of a Peruvian side that have already beaten Uruguay and denied Chile a third successive title.

“It doesn’t get any harder than playing Brazil – you turn up knowing that even their kit man is a bloody good footballer,” Solano said.

“The thing in football is that you have to win things to make your mark on history. For Peru to reach this stage is a huge achievement but you need to make sure you finish the job.

“I know Brazil are tough but you never know. You see what happened in the Maracana in the history of Brazilian football. Uruguay beat them in the 1950 World Cup and people still talk about that.

“I know it’s tough but we’re here and we want to make history.”

A shock can’t be discounted, despite Peru being trounced 5-0 by Brazil earlier in the tournament, and finishing third in their qualifying group behind the hosts and Venezuela.

Solano’s side proved too good for defending champions Chile in the semifinal in Porto Alegre on Wednesday night. Now one of the biggest challenges in world football awaits.

“It’s our first final in 44 years,” Solano said. “The people back home are going crazy, everyone is looking for flights to Brazil, everyone wants to be in Rio. Peru are in the mood – the whole country is with us.

“It will be an amazing day. We had already reached the World Cup for the first time in 36 years in Russia last summer and now this. There’s a huge sense of excitement.”

THE headline that greeted winger Craig Noone when he made the move from Bolton to Melbourne City of Australia’s A-League was ‘Noone Landing’. But forget about ‘one small step for man’ — it was truly a giant leap for the one-time roofer, after Bolton were relegated from the Championship last season. Noone, 31, has left battles over unpaid wages and a club plunged into administration. He’s joined a far-flung branch of the super-rich Manchester City family – and, in a stroke, any financial worries have vanished. Noone said: “The set-up is brilliant and very ambitious. It’s fantastic to be part of it, the resources are breathtaking. “I believe it’s going to be a good season and we will challenge for trophies.” That’s a far cry from the last gruelling campaign in which Bolton’s players went on strike after losing patience over salaries not being paid on time. Noone recalled: “It was really tough last season. For the players and club staff, there was the constant worry about whether you’d get paid.” Now he’s relishing another culture shock, Down Under. “My former Bolton team-mate Adam Le Fondre, is with Sydney FC, and says I will enjoy it,” Noone added. HELPING HAND: Roberto Firmino (left) and Gabriel Jesus celebrate as Brazil beat Argentina in the semi-final CASEMIRO has thrown his full support behind Brazil coach Tite ahead of the Copa America final. Tite’s job is under threat despite being on the brink of winning the tournament on home soil. Real Madrid midfielder Casemiro (below) said: “He is a winner. He’s been in the position for three years and has won more than 80 per cent. Tite is in our heads to be mentally strong. “He makes the team concentrate so we don’t fall in the trap of the opponents.”