18:31 | Barranquilla (Colombia), Jan. 28.
A goal scored by Edison Flores contributed to the Peruvian team's victory against home team Colombia (1-0) at the Metropolitan Stadium in Barranquilla.
Following this victory the Inca team climbed to fourth position, which allows it to be placed in the direct qualification zone for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.
Only three matches are left for the completion of the qualifying process.
The Peruvian side entered the field provided with the impetus to take control of the ball, and they managed to do so in the first 10 minutes.
In that period of time, the Incas showed signs of an attack, like in the 4th minute, when Christian Cueva formed a wall with Gianluca Lapadula, but Aladino's shot lacked strength and was controlled by Colombian goalkeeper David Ospina.
In the offensive aspect, the Peruvians lacked connectivity. The men who were supposed to put the moves together and move the game to the other side —like Cueva, Andre Carrillo, and Sergio Peña— were very distant from one another.
They left Lapadula alone, who could do little or nothing as he was marked by Yerry Mina and Davinson Sanchez.
Yoshimar Yotun did not stand out during the game either. He was one of those in charge of moving the game to the other half of the field.
Defensively speaking, Gareca's squad was diligent. Carlos Zambrano, Alexander Callens, and Renato Tapia did a good job.
In the 42nd minute, Peru created a dangerous moment. Carrillo's cross to Colombia's goal area demanded a save from goalkeeper Ospina.
The only goal of the game was scored by Edison Flores (84th minute), who was assisted by Christian Cueva.
It should be noted that Colombia recorded 30 shots on goal while Peru finished with 4. In addition, Colombia dominated the ball with 69% of the possession. However, the Peruvians managed to defeat their counterparts.
Peru will face Ecuador at Lima's National Stadium on February 1.
(END) JSO/RMB/MVB
Published: 1/28/2022