CA2015 Group C review: 3 takeaways from Peru 1-0 Venezuela

Peru beat Venezuela 1 – 0 in their second game of group play in this summer’s Copa America.

The win evens the accounts of all four teams in Group C, each having won a single game. The final pair of matches will be held Sunday, with each team attempting to find a way to separate themselves from the rest.

Peru’s win could be counted as fortunate. While they again showed the same surprising tenacity that made their loss against Brazil last Sunday so close, Venezuela’s midfield and defense were looking resolute once again. Only when Los Vinotintos’ right back Fernando Amorebieta got sent off in the 28th minute for an alleged stamp on Paolo Guerrero did the game truly seem to tip in Peru’s favor.

Even then, Venezuela put up a fight. They managed to frustrate Los Incas again and again, snuffing out attacks before they even had a chance to be a threat. What chances Peru did have mostly came from outside the box or from too far wide to pose any real threat.

A draw would have suited Venezuela nicely. It would have taken them to four points and the top of the group table. Their test against Brazil Sunday will be more than tricky even without Neymar on the pitch, but that point advantage would have felt huge.

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Instead, Venezuela will be level with all the rest Sunday thanks to a fortuitous strike by Peru veteran striker Claudio Pizarro. The goal came in the 72nd minute after a sustained bit of pressure from Peru. After some jostling around inside their own box, Tomás Rincón gifted a ball to an unmarked Pizarro who couldn’t miss.

Peru earned their victory even if Amorebieta’s blunder made it substantially easier. Their backline defended well against Salomón Rondón and managed Venezuela’s midfield rush. They’ll hope to take this momentum into what is mount to be a sterner contest against Colombia on Sunday.

Let’s take a look at three keys to the game.

Amorebieta’s Stamp

It could be that it was simply something that happened in the heat of the moment, but Amorebieta’s stamp on Guerrero’s leg turned this game on its head. Prior to that it was an open battle. Neither side was anxious to press too high and thus many of the advantages both sides had in their first games – namely, their abilities on the counter – were mostly negated. With the red card, though, Peru were primed to exploit their extra man. They brought in young striker Yordy Reyna after halftime to pair alongside Guerrero and Pizarro up time. The increased pressure might not have worked exactly as planned, but there’s no denying that it contributed to the confusion just before Pizarro’s goal.

Venezuela’s Midfield

Venezuela and coach Noel Sanvincente have proved themselves among the more surprisingly tactical sides in the tournament. We talked at length about their midfield’s prowess against Colombia, and against Peru they managed another impressive display. Once again they enthusiastically ensured that Rondón was not isolated at the top by rapidly shuffling their midfield components higher up the pitch when in possession. After Amorebieta’s sending off midfielder Ronald Vargas was replaced by fullback Gabriel Chichero. Venezuela’s midfield resorted to a diamond formation with Guerra at the top. With the exception of Rincón, the unit rapidly and efficiently shuttled the ball forward in those moments when they reclaimed possession. It was a performance that, though it didn’t work, proves their efforts against Colombia were no fluke.

Claudio Pizarro

This will likely be the Peru captain’s last international tournament. He’s had a wonderful run for both club and country. Thursday’s was his 20th goal for Peru, and if Jefferson Farfan is still unfit to play come Sunday it might not be his last. The Bayern Munich striker has built a career around a sharp eye for goal, from both his feet and his head. It’s a set of skills that make him at first glance appear the prototypical poacher, but his biggest influence in Thursday’s game came when he dropped deeper to aid in the build up play behind Guerrero and Reyna. Peru will miss his production and his leadership when he eventually does retire. For now though, Peru will have to hope he can deliver at least one more performance to keep them in this Copa.

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