Peru 0-3 Colombia: Matheus Uribe Shines In Solid Win For Los Cafeteros

A brace from Matheus Uribe was everything Colombia needed to secure a solid win in their final friendly match before the start of the 2019 Copa America. Club America’s midfielder netted once in each half, and lifted Los Cafeteros to a 3-0 victory over Peru at Estadio Monumental de Lima this Sunday. Duvan Zapata scored Colombia’s final goal on stoppage time.

As a friendly match where neither side had much to play for, the start of the contest was rather slow and uninspiring, with lots of fouls on both ends of the pitch. It was clear neither side wanted to take unneccesary risks, but Los Cafeteros always looked like the more threatening side. Peru had Paolo Guerrero upfront, but the former Bayern Munich striker was easily annulled by Davinson Sanchez. Colombia took control of possession after the 15th minute mark, and wasted little to score the opening goal thanks to Uribe.

Following a pinpoint cross from James Rodriguez, Uribe appeared inside the box and nodded the ball home from close range past Pedro Gallese. It was 1-0 for Colombia, and the visitors grabbed the lead deservedly. The rest of the first half was quite dull and the first 45 minutes ended with a solid, yet slim advantage for Carlos Queiroz’s men.

Colombia proved to be too much for a shorthanded Peru squad

Things didn’t change much after the break. Colombia freshened things upfront with the entrances of Zapata, Edwin Cardona and Luis Muriel, thus allowing themselves to keep pushing the lines forward. Peru showed a will to change things, but their lack of ideas upfront was alarming. To make things even worst, Yoshimar Yotun was sent off in the 55th minute after punching Everton defender Yerry Mina. Colombia took advantage of this to score the second goal thanks to another header from Uribe. This time, the goal came thanks to a cross from Stefan Medina.

Afterwards things changed. Both sides made several substitutions, but there was enough time for another goal on stoppage time thanks to Zapata. The Atalanta striker pounced the ball home from close range after an excellent passing sequence. Right after the goal, the referee signalled the end of the match.

This win will act as a huge morale booster for Colombia, who continue to look as darkhorse candidates for the Copa America title. Meanwhile, Peru had a woeful performance. The hosts need to improve massively if they want to get out of a group where they’ll take on Brazil, Venezuela and Bolivia.

Match Report

Peru: Gallese; Advincula (Corzo, 88′), Abram, Araujo, Trauco; Tapia (Pretell, 67′), Yotun; Carrillo (Ruidiaz, 62′), Cueva (Polo, 67′), Gonzales; Guerrero (Hurtado, 70′)

Bench: Caceda (GK), Alvarez (GK), Callens, Santamaria, Zambrano, Flores, Farfan

Colombia: Ospina; Medina (Arias, 66′), Sanchez, Mina, Tesillo; Cuadrado (Cardona, 46′), Cuellar (Barrios, 66′), Uribe; Muriel (Martinez, 46′), Falcao (Zapata, 46′), James (Diaz, 74′)

Bench: Montero (GK), Vargas (GK), Zapata, Lerma, Lucumi, Borja

Goals: Uribe (0-1, 23′), Uribe (0-2, 65′), Zapata (0-3, 90+4′)

Referee: Christian Ferreyra (Uruguay)

Yellow Cards: Gonzales, Advincula (PER); Cuadrado, Sanchez, Martinez, Uribe (COL)

Red Cards: Yotun (PER)