Peru writes fairy tale, meets Brazil in Copa America 2019 final
(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 against 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 very disciplined and sharp. The team considered as the underdog blocked all the attacking routes of the defending champion. And when the defense knew how to neutralize the Chilean strikers, the offense did not want to be outdone and started to fire.
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 Copa America |
Engrossed in the attack, Chilean goalkeeper Arias left his goal to let Carrillo pass and cross the ball inside. Yotun neatly blocked it with his chest and finished with his left foot into the empty net, raising the score to 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 had to constantly defend against the fast counter-attacks of the Peruvian 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 enters the final to challenge host Brazil |
Peru's surprise victory was truly the biggest shock of the Copa America, with what the team showed reminding many people of Greece at EURO 2004. If Peru overcomes host Brazil in the final, it will certainly be one of the greatest 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'
