MATCH 08 REPORT : PERU WIN THEIR FIRST MATCH IN COPA AMERICA

Playing a more poised football than in the opening match of Copa América, hosts Peru beat Venezuela 3-1, in Lima, and have practically secured their spot in the quarterfinals of the competition. Jefferson Farfán, in the first half, and Nolberto Solano and Santiago Acasiete, in the second half, scored the goals for Peru. Massimo Margiotta pulled a goal back for Venezuela.

After a poor start to the Copa América, when they tied 2-all with Bolivia, the Peruvians stopped playing franticly and moved forward with more tranquility. Playing with three strikers (Pizarro, Farfán and Mendoza), Paulo Autuori¿s men squeezed Venezuela and secured a convincing win. In the first half, Peru created two fine opportunities before opening the score. Mendoza and Pizarro almost scored on 26 and 32 minutes, respectively. On 33 minutes, after a defensive blunder, an unmarked Jefferson Farfán scored the opener.

In the second half, Venezuela´s manager, Richard Paéz, tried to reinforce his attack by putting Ruberth Morán in Jorge Rojas¿ place. However, the change weakened the team in midfield. This way, Peru reached Angelucci¿s goal with more ease. On 49 minutes, Palacios squandered an opportunity inside the 6-yard box. On 53 minutes, it was Mendoza¿s turn to miss a chance. On 71 minutes, Venezuela succumbed to Peruvian pressure and conceded a second goal. Left-back Vilches supplying a cross for Solando to double the lead. Soon after, the Venezuelans lost midfielder Mea Vitali, sent off for a foul on Farfán. With the extra man, Peru had little trouble to extend the lead. On 72 minutes, Solano found Acasiete from a set-piece and the defender made it 3-nil. Right after the celebrations, Venezuela scored a late consolation through Massimo Margiotta¿s fine strike. The Vinotinto¿s comeback proved too little too late. Final score, Peru 3, Venezuela 1.

Peru: Oscar Ibáñez, Guillermo Salas, Santiago Acasiete, Miguel Rebosio and Walter Vílchez; Juan Jayo, Nolberto Solano (Jorge Soto 34/2), Roberto Palacios (Marko Ciurlizza 40/2) and Claudio Pizarro; Andrés Mendoza (Flavio Maestri 48/2) and Jefferson Farfán. Coach: Paulo Autuori

Venezuela: Gilberto Angelucci, José Luís Ballenilla, José Manuel Rey, Alejandro Cichero and Jonay Hernandez; Leopoldo Jiménez, Jorge Rojas (Ruberth Morán, intervalo), Miguel Mea Vitali and Ricardo Páez (Héctor González 20/2); Alexander Rondón (Massimo Margiotta 13/2) and Juan Arango. Coach: Richard Paéz

Venue: Estádio Nacional, in Lima (PER)

Referee: Rubén Selman (CHI)

Assistant Referees: Cristian Julio (CHI) and Pablo Fandiño (URU)

copyright "Traffic Sports Marketing" - All rights reserved