Fourth match in Group B of theCopa America Centenario
Phoenix Stadium, Glendale, Arizona.
Ecuador 2 – Perú 2.
Cueva 5′ (Peru)
Flores 13′ (Peru)
Valencia 39′ (Ecuador)
Bolaños 48′ (Ecuador)
Ecuador fought back to deny Peru from advancing into the quarterfinals, and in doing so giving themselves a fighting chance to make it out the group.
Ecuador was down 2 goals in the first 15 minutes of the match. Christian Cueva used a spin move to open up Ecuadorian defense and opened the scoring in the 5th minute of the match. Edison Flores added to that goal in the 13th minute to give Peru a perfect start.
Coming into the match, Peru were aware that a win will see them in the quarterfinals stage of the tournament. They started very positive and were rewarded with by their approach to the match with early goals. The start Peru had to the game should have settled any nerves they had prior to the match.
2-0 is a tricky scoreline. The second goal is meant to give an extra cushion for a team to get comfortable. But once the losing side gets a goal, pressure is built on the winning side not to let their lead slip. Maybe getting comfortable should not happen till after the final whistle.
Six minutes to the end of regulation time in the first half, Enner Valencia pulled on back for Ecuador. A perfect chip pass from Antonio Valencia found Enner right in front of goal.
Just four minutes after kickoff in the second half, Bolanos scored the equalizer. They broke down the Peruvian defense with a beautiful team play that composed of quick passes, movement, and great vision.
Momentum had shifted, as Ecuador were looking to steal all three points from Peru.
After 15 minutes of and even scoreline, both sides were going for the win. They were doing it the South American way with fast paced attacking.
This result leaves Brazil on top of Group B, but equalling points with Peru.
Peru is playing Brazil in their final group match. They will need a win. After demolishing the Haitian team, Brazil should be fine with a draw against Peru. But Brazil is not a team that goes into a match to draw.
Ecuador will be playing Haiti. Ecuador is the favorites in this match. Haiti is officially eliminated from the tournament, so there will be no pressure on the team that day. Ecuador will be the team that needs results. Ecuador is in a great position. Their destiny is in their own hands. A good win against Haiti will send them into the quarterfinals.
| Group B | |||||||
| Team | Played | Win | Loss | Draw | GF | GA | Points |
| Brazil | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 7 | 1 | 4 |
| Peru | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 2 | 4 |
| Ecuador | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Haiti | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 8 | 0 |
