Copa America Centenario: Peru and Colombia looking to advance to semifinals

Not many expected that Peru would be in this situation, even Colombia, who many thought that they would be in different positions in their respective groups prior to the tournament starting. Nevertheless, the Group B winners will take on the Group A runners-up in front of a sold-out crowd of nearly 82,000 in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

Run of Form

Surprisedly, both teams were given their unexpected final positions in respectively hard groups. Colombia came into two games winning both their matches against the hosts the United States by two goals to none in Santa Clara, while they scored the same amount against Paraguay four days later in Pasadena but conceded one goal. However, everything changed when they lost by three goals to two against Costa Rica in Houston, using a second string side and nevertheless had to settle for second place in their group after the United States won by a single goal against Paraguay in Philadelphia.

Peru meanwhile had a sensational three matches in their group. Winning by a goal against Haiti in their opener, drawing Ecuador by two goals in the second match and beating Brazil in Foxborough, albeit, a controversial call following Raul Ruidiaz’s handball, they still held the honor of being the shock winners of their group but face a tough test against Los Cafeteros.

Colombia, confident

Jose Pekerman goes into this game confident but knows that it will not be as easy facing their respective continent rivals. "We must prepare for every situation that arises during the game," said the Argentine, adding that "although there is a general idea that those who are better, will play, during the match, we will make many alternatives.”

He also stated that he is trying to get Colombia "to get as high of a position as possible" and when questioned by the previous edition in Chile, he argued that “pitifully”, he was faced with players who were not at their best, in which they got eliminated by eventual finalists Argentina in penalties. Should Colombia win, they would qualify for their first Copa America semifinals since 2004, in Peru.

Jose Pekerman to the press. Photo: Ole — **Jose Pekerman speaking to the press. Photo: Ole**

Peru, looking to surprise even more

Ricardo Gareca, as confident as he can be currently, is looking to do something absolutely extraordinary and reach the semifinals of a Copa America for a third straight time. Nevertheless, these are two sides who clearly have some history together. In the 2011 quarterfinal, Los Incas won 2-0 and in 2015, in the group stages, was held to a scoreless draw. In his press conference, the Argentine demonstrated the respect that he has for their neighbors up north. 'We have met several times in recent times, although there is an understanding between both teams, I think it will be a tough match for both.’’, stated Gareca. The winner of this match will take on the winner of Mexico against Chile in Chicago.