Peru writes a fairy tale, meets Brazil in the final of Copa America 2019
(Baonghean.vn) - For the first time in 44 years, Peru reached the Copa America final after a historic victory over defending champion Chile.
Chile are the champions of the Copa America in the last 2 times. Possessing a series of top stars, Chile entered the semi-final match with Peru with an unquestionable superiority. However, perhaps because they did not properly assess the strength of their underdog opponent, they received a bitter defeat.
Peru played with great discipline and sharpness. The team that was considered the underdog blocked all the attacking routes of the defending champions. And when the defense knew how to neutralize the Chilean strikers, the offense did not want to be outdone and started firing.
The first half of the match passed, and Peru was the team that took the initiative in the match. In a counter-attack, after a cross from his teammate on the left wing, Flores quietly sneaked down to the far post and unleashed a classy volley into the Chilean net, opening the score.
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| Peru had their best game at the Copa America |
Engrossed in the attack, Chilean goalkeeper Arias left his goal to let Carrillo pass and cross the ball in. Yotun neatly blocked it with his chest and finished with his left foot into the empty net, making it 2-0 for Chile. That was also the final score of the first half of the match.
Being forced to attack made the Chilean defense loose, they constantly had to fend off the fast counter-attacks of the Peru players. Unfortunately, those opportunities of Peru were not successful until the 5th minute of extra time.
From Yotun's clever pass, Paolo Guerrero broke through and easily beat goalkeeper Arias to seal a 3-0 victory for Peru. This was considered the end for the reigning champions of South America's top tournament.
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| Crushing Chile 3-0, Peru confidently entered the final to challenge host Brazil |
Peru's surprise victory was truly the biggest shock of Copa America, what this team showed reminded many people of Greece at EURO 2004. If Peru overcomes host Brazil in the final, it will certainly be one of the most magnificent achievements in Peruvian football history.
Starting lineup:
Chile:Arias, Isla, Medel, Maripan, Beausejour, Aranguiz, Pulgar, Vidal, Fuenzalida, Vargas, Sanchez
Peru:Gallese, Advincula, Zambrano, Abram, Trauco, Yotun, Tapia, Carrillo, Cueva, Flores, Guerrero
Goal:
Peru:Flores 21', Yotun 38', Paolo Guerrero 90+1'
