Peru beats Colombia 2-1 to keep hopes alive at Copa America

Sao Paulo, Jun 21 (AP): Peru beat Colombia 2-1 to keep alive its chances of advancing to the knockout stage of Copa America. Sergio Pe a opened the scoring for the Peruvians in the 17th minute on Sunday. Miguel Borja equalised from the spot 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 top four teams will qualify for the quarterfinals. “This gives us a lot of hope in what is to come at this Copa America,” Peru defender Renato Tapia said. “We are in a good 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 ago it lost 3-0 to Colombia in Lima. Peru opened the scoring with Pe a burying the ball in the back of the net from the edge of the box. Borja’s equalizer, after he was brought down in the area, gave the impression Colombia had momentum. But a set-piece from the right flank ended on Mina’s chest and then accidentally past Colombian goalkeeper David Ospina. The Peruvians then managed to defend until the final whistle. “You pay a high price for mistakes and now we have to face Brazil on Wednesday,” Colombia’s Wilmar Barrios said.
“We are still missing something.”