Peru eliminated Colombia in the quarterfinals of the 2011 edition. At that time, Falcao was confident in penalty shootouts. He scored against Bolivia and against Peru, he asked for the ball to take the penalty. He missed and the team felt the impact in two side balls where goalkeeper Luis Martínez made mistakes. Colombia said goodbye to the Copa America with a 2-0 defeat.
Colombia's statistics against Peru in the Copa America are two victories, five draws, and seven defeats in the 14 matches they have played. However, the team led by Pekerman has gained experience in breaking bad streaks thanks to more than three years of work and a group of players who compete at the highest level of world football.
After the defeat in their debut, Colombia recovered their identity on the field. They achieved a victory against Brazil, honoring their offensive and ground passing style of play. On the other hand, Peru won a close game against Venezuela, in which Cueva, Guerrero, and Pizarro were protagonists. In Group C, all teams are tied with 3 points.
Pekerman will take the field at the Germán Becker stadium with the same formation and lineup that defeated Brazil Sarah Cas. Meanwhile, Gareca will have Farfán again, who missed the second match due to injury. It will be a clash between Argentine coaches and teams with ambition. A hard-fought encounter on Mapuche land, land of warriors.
TO FOLLOW
James Rodríguez (Colombia): His performance in the tournament has been improving, but he has not yet reached his peak. His talent combined with the need to win can bring out his best in the Copa. He thrives under pressure.
Paolo Guerrero (Peru): The Flamengo striker is a key player in Gareca's tactics. His offensive power and international experience are decisive factors in decisive matches.
KEYS
Confidence: Colombia comes with high spirits after the victory against Brazil. Pekerman's team regained their football and key players like Sanchez in defense and Gutierrez in attack gave solidity to their tactics.
Different Objectives: Pekerman has been in charge of Colombia for three years, while Gareca has only led Peru for three matches. The pressure is on the Colombian team, who arrived in Chile as favorites, while their rival seeks consolidation for the Qualifiers.
Revenge: Four years ago, Peru eliminated Colombia in the quarterfinals of the Copa, in a match where Falcao missed a penalty. The striker arrives with the need to vindicate the past and the confidence given to him by the coach.
COACHES
José Pékerman: "Against Brazil, there was a huge improvement in quality, the collective surpassed the individual. That gives us confidence and ensures that what we are doing is important. The improvement was noticeable. We will continue to improve on this path."
Ricardo Gareca: "It has been a very tight-knit group, very close. Colombia is one of the teams that has grown the most in recent years. But I believe we are capable of playing them on equal terms."