Peru advances after Suárez misses penalty
SALVADOR, Brazil — Underdogs Peru advanced to the semifinals of Copa América on Saturday after a goalless draw and a penalty shootout miss from Uruguay striker Luis Suárez.
Peru’s next opponent will be defending champion Chile, who eliminated Colombia also on penalties Friday night. The match will take place Wednesday at the Arena do Grêmio in Porto Alegre.
Brazil and Argentina will face off Tuesday in Belo Horizonte for the other spot in the July 7 final at the Maracanã Stadium in Rio de Janeiro.
Suárez was the only player to miss from the spot and left the field in tears.
Edison Flores scored Peru’s last goal in the 5-4 penalty shootout win.
Goalkeeper Pedro Gallese, who was under severe criticism after Peru was routed 5-0 by Brazil a week ago, saved Suárez shot with his belly and decided the match for the Peruvians.
Peru got through the group as one of the top two teams finishing third place. Its only win in four matches was a 3-1 against weak Bolivia.
The Uruguayans had three goals disallowed by offside and did create the best opportunities of the match.
Coach Óscar Tabárez started the match with two of his most aggressive midfielders, Federico Valverde and Giorgian de Arrascaeta, hoping to take advantage of Peru’s defensive troubles during group stage. But those problems were not there anymore for the knockout stage match.
“Soccer is not about deserving. They took their penalty shots better,” said Uruguayan defender Diego Godín.
The match in Salvador marked the third goal-less draw in the quarterfinals of Copa América in Brazil. The only goals of this phase were scored in Argentina’s 2-0 victory against Venezuela.
Players once more suffered with the poor pitch of the Arena Fonte Nova, filled with bare patches and uneven regions.
In the Copa América semifinals there will be extra time if the matches finish in a tie. In the quarterfinals stage the decision went straight to the penalty shootouts if the teams ended level after 90 minutes.