(FIFA.com)
© AFP
Peru made the headlines at the 2016 Copa America on Saturday, beating Haiti thanks to a solitary goal from Paolo Guerrero, who in the process became his country’s highest goalscorer of all time. The day’s two other games both ended goalless, with Costa Rica and Paraguay drawing a blank, and Brazil and Ecuador then doing likewise.
The day’s results
Costa Rica 0-0 Paraguay
Haiti 0-1 Peru
Brazil 0-0 Ecuador
Costa Rica 0-0 Paraguay
Haiti 0-1 Peru
Brazil 0-0 Ecuador
The analysis
The day’s three tightly contested games produced plenty of effort, determination and midfield intensity, but a patent lack of goals as defensive organisation nullified attacking flair. Costa Rica and Paraguay shared the spoils in their game, allowing Colombia, 2-0 winners over USA on Friday, to remain at the top of Group A. Meanwhile, Peru got off to a positive start, beating Haiti by a solitary goal to move out front in Group B. In the day’s final game, Brazil and Ecuador served up an end-to-end encounter lit up by some pacy play down the flanks, though neither side was able to find the back of the net.
The day’s three tightly contested games produced plenty of effort, determination and midfield intensity, but a patent lack of goals as defensive organisation nullified attacking flair. Costa Rica and Paraguay shared the spoils in their game, allowing Colombia, 2-0 winners over USA on Friday, to remain at the top of Group A. Meanwhile, Peru got off to a positive start, beating Haiti by a solitary goal to move out front in Group B. In the day’s final game, Brazil and Ecuador served up an end-to-end encounter lit up by some pacy play down the flanks, though neither side was able to find the back of the net.
Highlight of the day
There was no little attacking intent from Peru as they attempted to break down a determined Haiti side. The South Americans were finally rewarded when Edison Flores broke away down the left and sent a teasing cross in from the corner of box, allowingPaolo Guerrero, who had drifted away from his marker, to produce the perfect diving header and plant the ball past the opposing keeper. Not only did the goal win the game for the Peruvians, it took the striker’s tally of Copa America goals to 11 – more than any other current player – and was also his 27th strike on international duty, taking him past Teofilo Cubillas as Peru’s all-time leading goalscorer.
There was no little attacking intent from Peru as they attempted to break down a determined Haiti side. The South Americans were finally rewarded when Edison Flores broke away down the left and sent a teasing cross in from the corner of box, allowingPaolo Guerrero, who had drifted away from his marker, to produce the perfect diving header and plant the ball past the opposing keeper. Not only did the goal win the game for the Peruvians, it took the striker’s tally of Copa America goals to 11 – more than any other current player – and was also his 27th strike on international duty, taking him past Teofilo Cubillas as Peru’s all-time leading goalscorer.
The stat
14 - the number of times Brazil and Ecuador have faced each other in the Copa America, with La Tri yet to register a win over the Brazilians, who extended their unbeaten run thanks to Saturday’s goalless draw.
14 - the number of times Brazil and Ecuador have faced each other in the Copa America, with La Tri yet to register a win over the Brazilians, who extended their unbeaten run thanks to Saturday’s goalless draw.
What they said
“We knew it wasn’t going to be an easy game, but Peru were deserved winners. I’d like to congratulate the team. It’s not easy handling the pressure that comes with your opening game. We still need to improve, though, despite the result. The team showed plenty of mobility and moved the ball around, and I liked that. What I didn’t like so much was that we sat back after the goal. Paolo Guerrero is a very important player for us, both in terms of what he represents and what he gives to the team.” Peru coach Ricardo Gareca.
“We knew it wasn’t going to be an easy game, but Peru were deserved winners. I’d like to congratulate the team. It’s not easy handling the pressure that comes with your opening game. We still need to improve, though, despite the result. The team showed plenty of mobility and moved the ball around, and I liked that. What I didn’t like so much was that we sat back after the goal. Paolo Guerrero is a very important player for us, both in terms of what he represents and what he gives to the team.” Peru coach Ricardo Gareca.
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