The Copa America saw its fourth draw in only five games on Monday as Uruguay and Peru parted 1-1 in Group C.
Uruguay, having reached the World Cup semifinals last year with Diego Forlan voted player of the tournament, pressed hard in the opening period but they were shocked when Peru took the lead through the constantly dangerous Paolo Guerrero.
The Hamburg striker netted in the 23rd minute when he took advantage of some slack defending by the "Charruas," rounded keeper Fernando Muslera and finished off by shooting home.
Brazil boss Mano Menezes had been sufficiently impressed by Uruguay's World Cup showing that he made them a dark horse bet for what would be a record 15th continental title this month.
But despite an attacking trident of Luis Suarez, Forlan and Edinson Cavani they were caught on the back foot by Peru's bright start.
It was Liverpool's Suarez who put the celeste back on terms in the dying moments of the first half when he slid home a neat low finish after a fine through ball by Nicolas Lodeiro.
But Peru, who endured a disastrous World Cup qualifying campaign, stuck to their task and in the second half they could have had further goals at the Estadio Del Bicentenario in San Juan as they thrilled their contingent in the 25,000 crowd who endured the freezing wintry conditions.
Forlan said the draw had been the right result.
"It was a tough match. It was complicated as they sat back.
"If you don't take your chances at this level then you don't succeed.
News Source: thedailystar.net
0 comments:
Post a Comment