UNDERDOGS Peru battled their way past Colombia 2-0 in a closely-fought match in Cordoba to advance into the semi-finals of the Copa America.
Two extra time goals from Carlos Lobaton and Juan Manuel Vargas were enough to beat Colombia, who saw a Radamel Falcao penalty saved earlier on. The opening 45 minutes of the first quarter-final were expectedly tense and very, very tight; neither side wanting to give anything away and allow their opposition to take an advantage.
Juan Manuel Vargas looked the most dangerous player on the pitch and created a number of openings for his team but the Colombian defence were on hand when any danger came their way.
Vargas was made to shoot from a distance and nearly did catch Luis Martinez out with a smart effort from 30 yards, but the ball fizzed just wide.
Falcao and Dayro Moreno were the two danger men for Colombia and linked up well a number of times to craft their team some half-chances but nothing came from them.
The second half was just as cagey and produced a similar number of chances. Peru started bright and controlled a lot of the ball but rarely troubled Martinez.
It took until the 65th minute for the first real chance of the game. Moreno latched onto a long ball from captain Mario Yepes and burst into the box before being pulled down by Alberto Rodriguez.
Falcao, who scored from the spot against Bolivia, stepped up to take the penalty but blasted it wide.
That did however, seem to bring Colombia to life as they then controlled the rest of the second half.
They had further chances to break the deadlock through Moreno who rattled the post from close range before Fredy Guarin rattled the bar on the final whistle.
As they did during the first 90 minutes, Colombia looked the more likely to score during extra time but it was Peru who took the lead.
Vargas’ deep cross from the free kick was spilled by Martinez before dropping to onrushing substitute Lobaton, who drilled the ball into the empty net from 18 yards.
Colombia searched for a way back into the game that they looked like winning for so long but it never came. And just 11 minutes later, Peru doubled their lead and effectively wrapped up the game.
Another error from Martinez, whose clearance was poor, fell to Jose Guerrero. The forward burst into the box and shifted the ball to the unmarked Vargas and the captain took one touch before lashing the ball into the top corner. (Eurosport)