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Today, hosts Peru take on the challenge by Argentina, the team with the best offensive record in the competition. Striker Mendoza (photo) is the only Peruvian striker fielded for today¿s battle for a spot in the semifinals of Copa America |
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The quarterfinals of Copa América kick off today with a spot in the semifinals at stake. This Saturday, Peru and Argetina clash at the Elias Aguirre Stadium, in Chichlayo, 770km north of Lima, at 5 pm local time.
Hosts Peru, runners-up in the Group A behind Colombia, made their debut in the competition with a 2-all draw against Bolivia, after trailing by two. Then, they beat Venezuela 3-1 and earned another 2-all tie in the last round, against Colombia, after trailing by two again.
For today´s match against Argentina, Brazilian-born Peruvian coach Paulo Autuori will field an under-strength side, especially in attack. Against the Venezuelans, Peru lost their key striker, Claudio Pizarro, injured in the head and is out of Copa América. In the game with Colombia, another striker, Jefferson Farfan, received a second yellow card and is banned for the match against Argentina. Forward Flavio Maestri, who scored against Colombia, is injured and won´t be playing today. So, coach Paulo Autuori will field just one striker, Andreas Mendoza.
Argentina, runners-up in their group as well, are confident after the 4-2 win against Uruguay, in the last round of Group B. Marcelo Bielsa´s side kicked off with a 6-1 mauling of Ecuador, only to slip up in the following match when they lost 1-nil to Mexico.
For today´s match against Peru, Bielsa confirmed the presence of midfielder Fabricio Coloccini in Javier Mascherano´s place, since the latter was suspended. Left-back Juan Pablo Sorin recovered from injury and is back on the starting lineup, replacing Clemente Rodriguez. Luis Gonzalez, who sprained his ankle against the Uruguayans, has recovered in time and will start playing. In attack, Figueroa, who claimed a brace against Uruguay, will continue on the team, while Javier Saviola is still injured.
Peru and Argentina have player each other 15 times in Copa América history. Argentina have huge advantage, with 10 wins, 2 draws and only 3 defeats. The "Alvicelestes" scored 35 goals against Peru´s 19. The last match between the rivals in Copa América took place in 1997, in the city of Sucre, Bolivia. In this quarterfinal fixture, Peru beat Argentina 2-1. From that game, Peruvians Rebosio and Palacios will be on the pitch today.
Technical Info
Peru: Oscar Ibáñez, Guillermo Salas, Miguel Rebosio, Santiago Acasiete and Wálter Vilches; Juan Jayo, Carlos Zegarra, Nolberto Solano and Jorge Soto; Andrés Mendoza and Roberto Palacios. Coach: Paulo Autuori
Argentina: Roberto Abbondanzieri, Javier Zanetti, Roberto Ayala, Gabriel Heinze and Juan Pablo Sorín; Fabricio Coloccini, Luis González, Cristian González and Andrés D'Alessandro; César Delgado and Luciano Figueroa. Coach: Marcelo Bielsa
Venue: Elías Aguirre Stadium, Chiclayo-PER
Referee: Carlos Amarilla (PAR)
Assistant Referees: Nelson Cano (PAR) and Pablo Fandino (URU)
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