By Steven Agen
Peru opened opened their Copa America Centenario campaign with a narrow 1-0 win over Haiti in Seattle on Saturday night. The victory vaults Peru to the top of Group B with Brazil and Ecuador yet to finish their match at time of publication. The win represents a strong start for manager Ricardo Gareca, who faces an uphill battle to advance from their group. Both of the tests that still await Gareca’s men will be far sterner but a result in either will likely put them through to the Quarterfinals. 
The opening half saw Peru carry the majority of the game. Haiti pressed forward on counters and created several looks on set pieces, but the South Americans were comfortable for the most part. Peru fashioned their best chance of the period just before the break. Jose Guerrero chested down for Edison Flores who poked first time off the base of the right hand post past a well-beaten Johny Placide. Those two would combine again after the break, but to greater effect.
Guerrero eventually opened the scoring on the hour mark after a cross from Edison Flores found him open at the far post. The forward left his feet as he neared the edge of the six and nailed a diving header into the net. The predominantly pro-Peru crowd erupted and los blanquirroja had all they needed.
Haiti nearly equalized with the last kick of the game. Kervens Belfort snuck in at the back post to meet a cross, but couldn’t direct it on target. The substitute looked certain to score if he had hit the frame, and broke down in tears after missing. The result wasn’t exactly kind for Haiti, who played far better than the scoreline reflects. They’ll be hoping to stay competitive with Brazil and Ecuador while Peru can now envision a reasonable path to advancing. Feature to follow.
