The tournament began with a scoreless draw for both Peru and Chile, each team walking away with a single point after their Group A match at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The game was notable for several key moments and individual milestones, as well as setting the stage for the upcoming fixtures on June 25th.
Highlights
Luis Advíncula’s Early Exit: A major concern for the Peruvian side, known as La Bicolor, arose in the first half when Luis Advíncula had to be replaced due to injury. This incident has raised questions about his availability for the subsequent matches.
Paolo Guerrero’s Record: Peruvian veteran Paolo Guerrero achieved a remarkable milestone by participating in his sixth edition of the Copa América. He joins José “Chemo” del Solar and Teodoro “Lolo” Fernández as the Peruvians with the most tournament appearances.
First Half Action
The first half saw Chile dominating possession with 67% compared to Peru’s 33%. Despite this, the match’s most notable opportunity came from Chile in the 15th minute. A well-executed collective play culminated with Víctor Dávila delivering a precise cross to Alexis Sánchez, whose shot from within the six-yard box sailed over the goal defended by Pedro Gallese.
Peru’s best chance in the first half came just before the interval. A cross from the left found Miguel Araujo, whose header was expertly saved by Chilean goalkeeper Claudio Bravo, preventing any rebounds and keeping the scoreline level.
Second Half and Final Whistle
The second half did not change the score, with both teams failing to convert their chances. Chile registered 11 shots, but only one was on target, while Peru managed four shots on target from a total of seven attempts. Paolo Guerrero made an appearance in the second half, adding to his historic tally of Copa América participations.
Looking Ahead
Both teams now prepare for their next Group A encounters on Tuesday, June 25:
Chile vs. Argentina: Chile will face Argentina at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, a match that promises to be a stern test for Ricardo Gareca’s men.
Peru vs. Canada: Peru will take on Canada at Children’s Mercy Park in Kansas City, Kansas, where they hope to secure their first win of the tournament.
Match Information
- Peru Lineup:
Starting XI: Pedro Gallese; Miguel Araujo, Carlos Zambrano, Alexander Callens; Luis Advíncula (C), Wilder Cartagena, Sergio Peña, Piero Quispe, Andy Polo; Edison Flores, Gianluca Lapadula
Coach: Jorge Fossati
Substitutes Used: Marcos López, Paolo Guerrero, Oliver Sonne, Joao Grimaldo, Luis Abram
Cards: Carlos Zambrano (yellow) - Chile Lineup:
Starting XI: Claudio Bravo; Mauricio Isla, Igor Lichnovsky, Paulo Díaz, Gabriel Suazo; Erick Pulgar, Marcelo Núñez; Diego Valdés, Alexis Sánchez, Víctor Dávila; Eduardo Vargas
Coach: Ricardo Gareca
Substitutes Used: Darío Osorio, Rodrigo Echeverria, Marcos Bolados, Ben Brereton
Cards: Erick Pulgar (yellow), Victor Dávila (yellow), Alexis Sánchez (yellow)
Referee: Wilton Sampaio (Brazil)
Venue: AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas
Superior Player of the Match Michelob ULTRA: Alexis Sánchez (Chile)