Peru beats Colombia 2-1 to keep hopes alive at Copa America
Peru beat Colombia 2-1 on Sunday to keep alive its likelihood of advancing to the knockout stage of Copa America.
Sergio Peña opened the scoring for the Peruvians in the 17th minute. Miguel Borja equalized from the spot in the 53rd but an own goal 11 minutes later by Colombian defender Yerry Mina decided the match at the Olimpico stadium in Goiania.
Peru is in third position in Group B with three points after two matches. Colombia remains with four points in second spot, but with only two games remaining. Leader Brazil has six points. The top four teams will qualify for the quarterfinals.
“This gives us a whole lot of hope in what's to come as of this Copa America,” Peru defender Renato Tapia said. “We are in an excellent position, but we need to keep rowing to go farther.”
Peru lost 4-0 to Brazil in its tournament opener, which raised doubts about coach Ricardo Gareca’s team. The 2019 Copa America finalists are also struggling in South American World Cup qualifiers. Only weeks ago it lost 3-0 to Colombia in Lima.
Peru opened the scoring with Peña burying the ball in the rear of the net from the edge of the box. Borja’s equalizer, after he was brought down in the area, gave the impression Colombia had momentum.
But a set-piece from the proper flank ended on Mina’s chest and accidentally past Colombian goalkeeper David Ospina. The Peruvians then managed to defend until the final whistle.
“You pay a higher price for mistakes and today we must face Brazil on Wednesday,” Colombia’s Wilmar Barrios said. “We are still missing something.”
After an opening 0-0 draw with Venezuela and the loss to Peru, coach Reinaldo Rueda agreed.
“We are still lacking that pass within the last 20 meters so we are able to leave our forwards one-on-one, and have the ease to finish,” said Rueda, who's under criticism in the home for not bringing midfielder James Rodriguez south American championship.
Earlier Sunday, Venezuela and Ecuador drew 2-2. Venezuela is in fourth position in the group with two points after three matches and Ecuador has one point after two games.
Another matches in the group will be played Wednesday. Defending champion Brazil will play against Colombia and Peru will face Ecuador.
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