Argentina didn't need a win over Peru but since they'd publicly talked about the importance of finishing atop CONMEBOL qualifying, a win was required. Despite falling behind early, Argentina responded well and pulled away from Peru behind a brace from Ezequiel Lavezzi.
Argentina vs. Peru: Final score 3-1, Ezequiel Lavezzi leads La Albiceleste to victory
Argentina remained at the top of the table in CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying thanks their come from behind victory over Peru.
Peru got off to a great start and took the lead in the 21st minute when Claudio Pizarro ran onto a lovely long ball over the Argentine defense. Sergio Romero didn't react quick enough and couldn't decide whether to sit back or charge down Pizarro. Seeing the goalkeeper's indecision, Pizarro softly chipped the ball up and over Romero and into the back of the net.
Less than two minutes later Argentina earned a dubious corner kick that was taken by Ángel Di Maria. Federico Fernandez got free in the area and sent a header on frame that was chaotically blocked by goalkeeper Diego Penny. He couldn’t control the rebound at all though and Ezequiel Lavezzi, who was lurking at the far post, happily poked the loose ball over the line to pull Argentina back even at 1-1.
In the 35th minute Lavezzi scored his second goal of the match to give Argentina their first lead. Di Maria was involved again, springing Rodrigo Palacio free into the area with a lovely pass. Palacio showed some great vision, centering the ball back towards Lavezzi who extended his leg and directed the ball to the left past Penny.
La Albiceleste wasted little time expanding their lead in the second half as Palacio got on the board in the 47th minute. Sergio Agüero’s pass from the top of the area wide to Marcos Rojo created the chance and it was the deft finish by Palacio in front of Penny that capped it off.
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