Yellow balloons drifted around the stadium before kickoff, as the Colombia heavy crowd celebrated their team’s inclusion in the Copa America Centenario. The odd red balloon floated down from the upper levels as the Peruvians tried to get included in the party as well. The atmosphere was electric at Metlife stadium, and was palpable even behind the 2 inch-thick soundproof glass in the press box. The sold out crowd filled what would normally be a blue or green stadium with Red/White and Yellow/Blue shirts. Player on both teams looked like young children trying to pop bubbles as the balloons drifted onto the field, aimlessly stomping and trotting when a balloon came near them.

The energy in the stands was mimicked on the field, with a lot of hard challenges going in early, and a high tempo to the play. Neither team was willing to take their foot off the pedal as fouls came in left and right. On several occasions certain players seemed to be seriously injured, only to recover when the pain subsided. Daniel Torres received a particularly nasty challenge while shooting, as the incoming challenge collided with his follow-through. He had to be stretchered off, but was able to hobble back onto the field to the delight of the Colombian fans.

In the 22^nd minute James Rodriguez came as close to scoring as possible as the ball rocketed off the inside of the right post and across the face of goal. Rodriguez was played on the under-lap about 35 yards out on the left side of the field. He drove with pace at the Peru backline and created enough space to hit a right-footed effort from 20 yards. Carlos Bacca pounced on the rebound but his first time shot from a tight angle went wide into the side netting.

Goalkeeper David Ospina made a series of well-claimed crosses in the 30^th minute to deny several good Peruvian crosses. The first he punched away in the face of Jose Guerrero barreling down on him. The next cross was lofted enough for him to rise up and catch the ball in traffic. It was a series of plays that showed his premier level of goalkeeping.

Before the first half had come to a close the physio’s had done more work than either goalkeeper. Play came to halt on several occasions as neither team’s players wanted to back out of a challenge, each leaving bumps and bruises that will likely be felt tomorrow morning.

At the half 17 fouls have been conceded, showing the physicality of the game thus far. Colombia had a slight edge with 52% of possession, and notching 3 shots to Peru’s 1.

The second half picked up where the first left off, rash challenges, players embellishing, and direct, counter attacking soccer. Play has been sloppy in the final third, resulting in a lack of chances. This is a result of immense defensive pressure put on the forwards on both sides. No one got enough space to create a shot or a pass, as the defenders did well despite being put in tough situations.

A great cross from James on the right side was headed weakly by Bacca and gathered by Pedro Gallese. James put the ball on a dime for Bacca, but he was unable to get any power from a standing jump and his flicked effort bounced harmlessly to the Peruvian goalkeeper.

Play came to a stop yet again in the 59^th minute, but not because of a foul for once. Jose Guerrero’s attempted cross flew right into Carlos Sanchez’s face, and possibly neck as he stayed down to receive some treatment on the sideline before returning to the field.

By the 60^th minute play had slowed down, as weariness began to set in for both teams. Colombia began to get frustrated as they failed to create enough ideas against the staunch Peruvian defense.

Peru got a good chance from a freekick in the 71^st minute by the right corner of the box. The free kick was disappointing however, and bounced off the Colombian wall. Peru got the rebound but was wasteful again as the snap-shot from 28 yards deflected off of another Peruvian player and out for a goal kick.

Colombia has had quite a few promising attacks that were halted due to offside. Bacca in one situation was put 1-on-1 with Gallese in goal. The Peruvian came off his line and made a great stop despite the flag being raised for offside.

By the 75^th minute Colombia began to get some momentum. They have been able to play into the Peru box and get crosses from good areas. The final pass has not been sharp enough as each attack is cut out before a final blow can be landed.

Carlos Bacca once again was put in on goal by a beautiful lofted through ball. He was unable to control the pass as Gallese rushed him, closing the angle down. He just barely made contact as the ball dropped nicely for Gallese.

With the 80^th minute come an gone Colombia started to put pressure on Peru, serving multiple dangerous balls into the box, each of which were dealt with by the Peruvian defense. 5 minutes later it was Peru applying the pressure, getting a penalty shout, which was waved away by head referee Patricio Loustau. The Argentine ref has had a lot to do, and despite the high number of fouls he has kept the cards in his pocket for the most part.

The fingertips of David Ospina denied a Peruvian win, as Peru almost struck the winner from a 90^th minute corner kick. The well-struck header by Christian Ramos was close to hitting the underside of the crossbar, but was pawed brilliantly by the Arsenal keeper. The save gave Colombia a chance to play for it all in penalties.

 

Penalties:

COL: James    (√), Cuadrado, (√), Moreno (√), Perez (√)

PER: Ruidiaz (√), Tapia          (√), Trauco (X), Cueva (X)

 

Colombia wins 0(4)-0(2)

 

Thoughts:

 

Guerrero’s hold up play has been instrumental for Peru to keep the ball under Colombian pressure, and then hit on the break.

James has been electric, befuddling defenders with each touch. Bacca on the other hand has gotten into good situations but seems to fold under Peru’s pressure.

The first half was full of energy and passion, making it exciting to watch despite only 4 total shots being recorded.

Fouls by both teams have broken up the flow of the play, and because of a lack of yellows, both teams have fouled without a thought. It must be frustrating for players on either side as they fail to get any real counters going.Sloppy play and defensive pressure has caused very few chances on either side as well.

A very direct game, neither team has played much side to side but opted to counter instead playing north to south.

When you shoot a penalty down the middle it is important to not drill the ball. It gives the keeper a chance to make a foot save as we saw with Ospina. The shot should either be above the waist or on the ground when shooting down the middle to prevent situations like this one.

Peru did everything right until the end. Defended well and held Colombia to no goals. Unfortunately a great foot save by Ospina and a skied penalty gave Colombia a close win.

Colombia

Ospina

Santiago Arias (4), Cristian Zapata (2), Jeison Murillo (22), Farid Diaz (19)

Juan Cuadrado (11), Carlos Sanchez (6), Daniel Torres (16), Edwin Cardona (8)

James Rodriguez (10)

Carlos Bacca (7)

Jose Guerrero (9)

Edison Florez (20), Christian Cueva (10), Oscar Vilchez (16), Andy Polo (8),

Miguel Trauco (6)

Renato Tapia (13), Alberto Rodriguez (2), Chrisian Ramos (15), Aldo Corzo (3),

Pedro Gallese

Peru

Summary:

Yellow PER: Tapia 64’

Yellow COL: Zapata 66’

Yellow COL: Diaz 71’

Sub COL: Dayro Moreno (17) in for Edwin Cardona (8) 76’

Sub PER: Raul Ruidiaz (11) in for Edison Flores (20) 78’

Sub COL: Sebastian Perez (13) for Daniel Torres (16) 81’

Sub PER: Cristian Bernavente (18) for Andy Polo (8) 81’

Sub COL: Frank Fabra (18) on for Farid Diaz (19)