Colombia 1-2 Peru: An own goal from Everton defender Yerry Mina keeps the 2019 Copa America finalists’ chances alive as losing side continue to struggle without James Rodriguez
- Peru beat Colombia on Sunday to keep hopes of advancing to knockout stages
- Sergio Pena opened scoring for the Peruvians, before Miguel Borja equalised
- An own goal by Colombian defender Yerry Mina decided match in 64th minute
- Colombia boss Reinaldo Rueda is under criticism for omitting James Rodriguez
Peru beat Colombia 2-1 on Sunday to keep alive their chances of advancing to the knockout stages of Copa America.
Sergio Pena opened the scoring for the Peruvians in the 17th minute. 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 are in third position in Group B with three points after two matches. Colombia remains on four points in second spot, but with only two games remaining. Leader Brazil has six points with the top four teams qualifying for the quarter-finals.
Own goal from Colombia’s and Everton’s Yerry Mina sealed 2-1 win for Peru at Copa America
Players of Peru celebrate after Colombia’s Mina scored an own goal in the 64th minute
The victory kept Peru’s chances of advancing to the knockout stages of Copa America alive
‘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 their 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 they lost 3-0 to Colombia in Lima.
Peru opened the scoring with Pena burying the ball in the back of the net from the edge of the box. Borja’s equaliser, 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 hold on 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.’
After an opening 0-0 draw with Venezuela and the loss to Peru, coach Reinaldo Rueda agreed.
Peru’s Sergio Pena (right) had opened the scoring inside the opening 20 minutes on Sunday
Pena turns away to celebrate breaking the deadlock against Colombia in the Group A clash
‘We are still lacking that pass in the last 20 metres so we can leave our forwards one-on-one, and then have the ease to finish,’ said Rueda, who is under criticism at home for not bringing midfielder James Rodriguez to the South American championship.
Earlier on Sunday, Venezuela and Ecuador drew 2-2. Venezuela are in fourth position in the group with two points after three matches and Ecuador have one point after two games.
The next matches in the group will be played on Wednesday. Defending champions Brazil will play against Colombia and Peru will face Ecuador.
Miguel Borja equalised for Colombia from spot in 53rd minute but they could not build on that
Borja celebrates (left) with his Colombia team-mates after scoring a penalty in the second half