Argentina vs Peru match recap: Could’ve been worse

Argentina vs Peru match recap: Could’ve been worse

by J.P. Devetori

Peru couldn’t surpass the unbeaten and reigning Copa America champions Argentina last night, falling 1-0 in what was a somewhat improved match but not enough to win. The match also could’ve been worse. Argentina came in with a hungry mentality to win in front of their home fans but Peru prevented many scoring opportunities. A couple goals were annulled due to offsides and there were several instances (few from Pedro Gallese) where the defense turned the all over and Argentina came very close to tying. Lautaro Martinez made the lucky header goal to make 1-0 at the half.

Gareca made another questionable change by replacing Gianluca Lapadula for Jefferson Farfan. Nothing wrong with Farfan but this match should’ve had a 4-4-2 lineup instead of 4-5-1 and Farfan should’ve had the start alongside Lapadula for this type of match. Farfan made an immediate impact by getting fouled in the penalty area by Argentina gold-glove goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez. Farfan couldn’t take the penalty due to getting injured on the play (he soon recovered) and Yoshimar Yotún was called to take the penalty. For an expert penalty taker, Yotún missed the penalty by kicking the ball over the right cross bar while Martinez dove on the correct side. The ball would’ve went in if it never went over since Martinez dove very low and the match could’ve been 1-1. An unlucky occurrence for Peru.

This was the last 3 match schedule for the rest of the qualifiers which were rough for Peru. Last month the Blanquirroja got 4 points and only got 3 this month. November, January/February, and March has 2 matches each (6 matches total remaining). Our next opponent is Bolivia in Estadio Nacional, a revenge game for us.

Now that the October international break has ended, we will be back covering Universitario with a match coming this Monday.