Colombia and Peru played out a 0-0 draw in a Temuco at the Copa America. The result means that Los Incas advance into the quarter finals while Colombia will be depending on either side to be victorious in the game between Brazil vs Venezuela; a draw would mean they are eliminated from the competition.
Colombia started the better side, coming close to opening the scoring within 4 minutes as Teo Gutierrez played an inviting through ball into the area and Pablo Armero latched onto it and drilled the ball at goal but Pedro Gallese tipped his strike around the post.
Colombia continued to mount the pressure on Peru, playing some fast paced attacking football and pressing Peru highly up the park, but they were unable to break down the defence of Peru.
Colombia lost midfielder Edwin Valencia early in the first half, the Santos midfielder went down with an injured knee and had to be stretched off, Valencia looked in serious pain and could end his participation in the knockout stage. He was replaced by Alexander Mejia.
Peru settled into the game, coping with the attack of Colombia, but Los Incas had little threat to the Colombian goal in the first period, Paulo Guerrero dragged his effort wide when he found himself in behind the Colombia defence but that was the only sign of encouragement for Peru.
The tempo of the play in the first half was really good, but Colombia failed to turn their attacking play into goals as Peru held on well to mean the game stayed goalless at the break.
Peru started the better of the two sides in the second half, some sloppy play from Colombia allowed Jose Sanchez space to shoot on the edge of the box but his effort went wide, Colombia lucky not to be punished.
Another poor giveaway in the midfield allow Peru to break once again with good build up play, the ball fell to Jose Sanchez once again and his effort was on target this time but forced a good save from David Ospina, a good chance for Peru to put Colombia in deep trouble missed.
Colombia looked a different side after the half time break, showing little threat to the Peru defence with Gutierrez and Falcao receiving little service. Peru had turned things around at the break and now looked the more dangerous side while Colombia lacked attacking threat.
Colombia did however force Gallese into a double save in the 67th minute, James Rodriguez shot from the left hand side was saved, Jackson Martinez followed up the rebound and volley was tipped wide from the Peruvian goalkeeper, better from Colombia who needed a victory from the game.
Colombia were awarded a free kick right on the edge of the penalty area, James Rodriguez brought down after a good run, the challenge was fractions away from being inside the penalty area. Juan Cuadrado stepped up but drilled his effort straight into the wall and then fired the rebound well over the bar, a big disappointment from the Chelsea star.
Jackson Martinez had a chance to win the game for Colombia in first minute of stoppage time, Martinez got on the end of a through ball from Sanchez but his effort went straight at Gallese, that was the chance to confirm qualification for Colombia.
The game finished goalless, confirming Peru’s qualification into the quarter finals. Colombia failing to get the victory they needed to advance therefore their fate was in the hands of Brazil and Venezuela, needing either side to win the game to go finish 3rd place.