Sunday, June 19, 2016

Colombia outlast Peru on penalty kicks to reach semifinals


Colombia achieved the elimination rounds of the Copa America Centenario by beating Peru on punishments in New Jersey.

The two groups played out a relaxed goalless draw at MetLife Stadium, Colombia with the better risks until stoppage time, when Peru safeguard Christian Ramos debilitated an emotional champ.

Colombia's goalkeeper David Ospina, who plays for Stockpile in the Chief Association, then spared from Miguel Trauco before Christian Cueva's miss gave Colombia a 4-2 win in the shootout.

Carlos Bacca's initial run and gave drew a sharp spare from Peru guardian Pedro Gallese while at the flip side, Paulo Guerrero's traverse by Edison Flores.

The most obvious opportunity yet came when Colombia skipper James Rodriguez twisted a shot with his weaker right foot from 20 yards against the base of a post, with Bacca putting the bounce back wide from a tight point.

Whatever is left of the opening time frame went in sketchy style and that example proceeded after the break as Colombia were given an early free kick which James twisted directly at Gallese.

Bacca headed directly at the guardian while Peru forward Flores penetrated a free kick straight into the divider.

Ospina made a key stoppage-time save from Ramos' header, taking the amusement straight to punishments with Copa America rules indicating no additional time until the last.

He then spared Peru's third punishment, from full-back Trauco, with his right foot before Cueva put the fourth over the bar to send Colombia through

Author:

0 comments: