Claudio Pizzaro’s 72nd minute goal awarded Peru all three points in their second game of the Copa America against a ten man Venezuela side in Valparaiso. The veteran strikers winning goal ensured Peru remained with a chance of qualification to the next round; the victory leaving all teams in Group C on the same points and with the same goal difference after two games each.
Venezuela looked to build on their shock 1-0 victory in the opening game against Colombia with another victory against Peru, who last time out lost 2-1 to Brazil; conceding a stoppage time winner.
Venezuela had the chance to open the scoring in the early stages of the game; Alejandro Guerra picked out striker Salomon Rondon with a through ball, and Rondon’s first time volley was unable to beat Peruvian goalkeeper Pedro Gallese; the goalkeeper with a good reaction save to keep the score level.
Venezuela started off with their left off in the last game, as they were playing some good football; looking dangerous on the attack and looking to cause problems for Peru. Atletico Nacional’s Alejandro Guerra looking the main threat from Venezuela, putting in some dangerous delivers into the box causing problems for Peru at the back.
Venezuelan defender Fernando Amorebieta was dismissed in the 29th minute as referee Raul Orozco judged the defender to have stamped on Peru striker Paulo Guerrero after bringing him down on the half way line. Amorebieta try to avoid standing on Guerrero and in doing so jumped out the way of him, but as he landed he connected with the leg of Guerrero, a questionable decision as the contact was minimal, but it did seem as though Amorebieta did not try to avoid the leg of the Los Incas striker.
Peru began to take control of the game as they had the man advantage and look a threat to the Venezuelan goal; Paulo Guerrero had the chance to open the scoring just before half time as some poor defending from Vizcarrondo resulted in the ball finding its way to Guerrero at the back post, but he dragged his effort well wide of the post.
After starting the game brightly and looking the team likely to open the scoring, La Vinotino now looked vulnerable due to the sending off of Amorebieta, which sparked confidence into Peru giving Venezuela a tough contest in the second half.
Peru came out attacking in the second half looking very energetic and showing urgency as without the three points, Peru would be facing a tough ask to qualify as they would need the three points in the last game against Colombia.
Peru continued to press for the opener but however the final ball was letting the good build up play down, Venezuela dealing the pressure from Peru and playing on the counter attack, with Juan Arango being close to putting Venezuela in front but he scuffed his effort wide. Salomon Rondon was using his strength to lead the counter attacks for Venezuela, holding up the play well to take pressure of the defence.
Peru did eventually find the breakthrough they desperately searched for, Venezuela’s Tomas Rincon deflecting and effort into the path of Claudio Pizzaro who smashed his effort in off the crossbar, giving Alain Baroja little chance of keeping out.
Peru effectively managed the game superbly from that point, dominating possession and holding on for a vital three points. Venezuela will feel hard done by due to the sending off in the first half, as at that point in the game they looked the favourites, however, based on the second half performance Peru deservedly took all three points leaving Group C poised for an excitingly close final round of fixtures
