Group C – Match 4 (June 18, 2015)

Estadio Elías Figueroa, Valparaíso, Chile

Copa America 2015 Group C: Peru 1-0 Venezuela 1

Copa America has surely picked up on the drama, as the race for Group C has become a hot contest, with all 4 teams level at 3 points each. Peru captain Claudio Pizarro scored the winner, which was also his 20^th national goal, while Venezuela’s Amorebieta was sent off in the 1^st half.

The first half began with both teams defending tightly, neither team could create a definite goal-scoring chance. The game was stopped briefly as Cristian Cueva received treatment for a minor injury to his head. Venezuela’s Salomón Rondón came close in the 6^th minute when Juan Arango found him unmarked, but the shot went straight to Peru keeper Gallese’s hands. Paulo Guerrero, the top-scorer in Copa 2007, was pulled back by Fernando Amorebieta, who further went on to trod on Guerrero after the striker tumbled onto the ground. Amorebieta’s disbelief at being sent off because of this incident seemed to imply that his actions were not deliberate. It could be that his momentum made him stomp on Guerrero, who now had blood trickling down his knees. Noel Sanvicente promptly brought on Gabriel Cichero for Ronald Vargas at the 37^th minute, choosing to defend deep and settle for a point for Venezuela.

Peru, seeking to capitalise on the extra man, introduced Yordy Reyna and took Carlos Lobatón off. This move almost paid off, as Cueva and Guerrero came close to scoring for Peru, but Venezuela’s resistance was astute. Peru kept passing the ball around, trying to find an opening past their opponents, but they were repeatedly frustrated, until a build-up play led to Claudio Bravo receiving a deflected pass right outside the six-yard area, and the veteran striker put the ball in the back of the net. Venezuela could not fight their way back into the match, and Peru took home all 3 points.

Venezuela could have guaranteed a place in the quarter-finals by grinding out a draw at least, but the red card proved too costly. Peru, one of the least fancied teams in this tournament, can very well finish top of their group, depending on how the final matches of Group C are played out. Although all the teams in Group C are on 3 points, Brazil are leading because of better head-to-head record. With Neymar suspended, Brazil may have a tough time getting the better of Venezuela. Meanwhile, Chile’s Arturo Vidal will miss out on tonight’s match against Bolivia, because of an injury suffered during a road accident earlier this week.

Copa America 2015 Group C: Peru 1-0 Venezuela 2