Copa America 2011, Mexico Vs. Peru: Paolo Guerrero Scores Late Winner 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.

Peru finally got the goal they deserved. A first half of ugly, dull soccer turned into a second half filled with opportunities and near misses for Peru. Even so, it looked like it would come to a close with still no goals and a scoreless draw as the chances just missed, but Paolo Guerrero broke the deadlock for what looks like will be the game-winning goal. The 82nd minute tally has Peru on top and now looking as if they will move into a tie at the top of Group C.

Peru have been the better side, but they certainly have not been good. They created a few chances, but nothing exceptional and their play has lacked any creativity in the final third. As soon as they get forward they top and usually end up giving the ball away without any ideas of how to break down a good and organized Mexico back line. An early chance that Luis Michel was barely able to get a hand to and just push wide remains their best opportunity.

Peru (4-2-3-1): Saloman Libman; Walter Vilchez, Santiago Acaslete, Giancarlo Carmona, Alberto Junior Rodriguez;Carlos Lobotan, Adan Balbin; Juan Manuel Vargas, Rinaldo Cruzado, Paolo Guerrero