Peru played nice football throughout, but lacked any penetration and looked fragile at the back: a fatal combination. Argentina played poorly, were reduced to ten men with fifteen minutes to go, but improved after the red card and stole a victory late on.
Argentina took the lead after 3 minutes; Michael Hoyos delivered a good free kick into the area and striker Rogelio Funes Mori headed the ball home from close range. For the remainder of the half, Peru dominated possession, passed the ball neatly and were enjoyable to watch. Jorge Bazán was especially involved early on but it was Christian Cueva who was the best and most hard-working player on the pitch.
Despite dominating, Peru were restricted to long range efforts (several from Angel Ojeda) by a well organised and spirited Argentina defence, Germán Pezzella was particularly good.
For the second half Argentina brought on Bruno Zuculini for Claudio Mosca who had impressed against Uruguay in the first game. This was interesting as Zuculini himself was substituted against Uruguay due to a lack of invention; something the team was severely suffering from here despite their one goal advantage.
In the opening stages of the second half Argentina created one or two opportunities (Juan Iturbe, who happens to be a free agent looked particularly dangerous). But Peru remained dominant in spite of the game becoming frustratingly broken up by a large number of fouls being committed by both sides. A fully deserved equaliser came after 65 minutes; Alexander Callens scored a powerful and accurate header from a Benjamín Ubierna corner. A great goal.
Things seemed like they had gone from bad to worse for Argentina when Nicolás Tagliafico was shown a straight red card for a late, high challenge on Giovanny Morales. However, the red card appeared to give Argentina a much-needed kick and they began to play better with ten men. With three minutes of normal time remaining, a good delivery into the box found Facundo Ferreyra who headed the ball back across goal to Bruno Zuculini and Argentina stole a victory with a good finish from about eight or nine yards out.
Peru were pleasing to watch at times in this game because of their good passing and movement. However, a total absence of any cutting edge or attacking instinct made for an increasingly frustrating performance. Time and again players like Cueva or Bazán would work hard to get into a crossing position and there would not be a single player waiting in the box. Argentina played with a very negative approach, were disciplined at the back and held their defensive shape well. But they consistently gave the ball away as soon as they had regained possession and will have to change if they are to beat stronger teams in the competition.
Notable performances / players to watch next time
Peru
Christian Cueva (Universidad San Martín): The man of the match. He worked extremely hard throughout, regularly running at Argentina and contributing a hell of a lot to Peru’s good performance. Really unlucky to end up on the losing team.
Jorge Bazán (Alianza Lima) Probably Peru’s second best player, kept cropping up in very good positions, can dribble well and looked dangerous.
Angel Ojeda (Melgar) Had four long-range efforts which unfortunately were all too close to the goalkeeper. However he always struck the ball very nicely and may yet score some spectacular goals this tournament.
Argentina
Esteban Andrada (Lanús): The goalkeeper was arguably Argentina’s best player. Made several good saves and one or two very good saves. Was playing as part of a very good defence, was a calming influence on his back line and never gave any cause for concern.
Michael Hoyos (Estudiantes): None of Argentina’s attacking players played particularly well, but Hoyos provided several good deliveries and got an assist for the first goal. That’s now one goal and one assist in two games.
Germán Pezzella (River Plate): As mentioned previously Argentina defended very well as a unit but Pezzella was perhaps the most impressive.
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