Peru beats Colombia 2-1 to keep hopes alive at Copa America
21 June, 2021
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 location 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 very best four teams will be eligible for the quarterfinals.
“This gives us a lot of hope in what is to come as of this Copa America,” Peru defender Renato Tapia said. “We are in an excellent position, but we have 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 hence it lost 3-0 to Colombia in Lima.
Peru opened the scoring with Peña burying the ball in the rear of the web from the edge of the box. Borja’s equalizer, after he was brought down in the region, 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 were able 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 can leave our forwards one-on-one, and have the ease to complete,” said Rueda, who's under criticism in the home for not bringing midfielder James Rodriguez to the 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.
Source: www.daily-sun.com