The Peruvian national team put their names into history on the night of Wednesday (03), in Porto Alegre. In a match against the back-to-back Copa America champions Chile, the national team known as La Bicolor beat their historic rivals 3-0 with goals from Flores, Yotun, and Paolo Guerrero, and guaranteed themselves in the tournament final. There was still time for goalkeeper Pedro Gallese to defend a late Penalty from Eduardo Vargas down the middle. The Peruvians will contest the Copa America title against hosts Brazil, next Sunday (07), at the mythic Maracana Stadium.

Although playing with the underdog cards, and facing an opponent with a stronger squad, Peru played coldly, strategically and smartly, with good defensive positioning and counter-attack efficiency. A sign that the Peruvians were not intimidated happened in the first minute of the match, as Cueva lost a good chance of opening the scoring. Shortly after, Chilean Charles Aranguiz also responded with danger. But it was Peru that celebrated first. At 20 minutes, Cueva crossed from the right. Carrillo flicked with his head as Flores opened the scoring in a first-time effort at the far post. 1-0 Peru.

It looked like a mere slip of Chile. The back-to-back Copa America Champions would surely turn things around and make it to the final against the hosts, right? Who thought about it couldn’t be wronger. On 37 minutes, Arias rushed out of the area to try to tackle Carrillo, down the right-wing. However, the Peruvian rounded the goalkeeper and crossed. Yotun controlled the ball and sent it to the empty nets, making it 2-0.

After the break, Chile came back better, and there was still hope for them. They pushed as hard as they could for a goal and even hit the crossbar. But it was realistically Peru’s day. Guerrero was picked out in hand to get face to face with Arias, round the Chilean keeper and slot home from close-range. 3-0 Peru. Already in the added time, Chile had a pen that Vargas tried to surprise Gallese, who calmly defended with one hand, confirming the historic Peruvian victory.

What a campaign for the Peruvians. The Maracana awaits them for maybe their biggest game in history in front of the hosts Brazil.

What a campaign for the Peruvians. The Maracana awaits them for maybe their biggest game in history in front of the hosts Brazil.

What a campaign for the Peruvians. The Maracana awaits them for maybe their biggest game in history in front of the hosts Brazil.