The Copa America Group C match-up between Mexico and Peru wasn't ever going to be an offensive battle. Both teams are short on attacking talent and while neither side was overly defensive they weren't flying forward at every opportunity. Nearly the entire match was plagued by bad giveaways, late runs and missed opportunities, but Peru won't care. That's because Paolo Guerrero scored in the 82nd minute to hand Peru a 1-0 win over Mexico and move them joint top of the group along with Chile.
Copa America 2011, Mexico Vs. Peru: Paolo Guerrero Wins It For Peru
The first half saw Mexico struggled to get any opportunities to score. Peru had most of the possession and most of the forays forward, but they couldn’t turn it into chances. Each time they went forward they got within 35 yards of goal and had no way of breaking down the Mexico defense. They had no ideas and zero creativity so they went into the second half still tied 0-0.
As the second half wore on the match finally began to change. Peru started to get a little more creative and with it came chances. Twice they got dangerous free kicks, one of which clanged off the crossbar. Another chance from the run of play hit the post, but in the 82nd minute they finally got themselves a goal.
Sergio Acasiete got space on the right and it looked as if he was going to take it to the end line, but instead he played a cross through the Mexico defense. It was on the ground and found Guerrero at the back post. Nobody was around and Guerrero simply tapped it in for the game-winning goal. Mexico appealed for offside, but replays showed that the assistant referee was correct in keeping the flag down.
With the win, Peru sits on four points, even with Chile atop the group heading into their final group stage match against Chile on July 12. Mexico need a win over Uruguay on July 12 to have any hopes of advancing from the group.
See More:
