SALVADOR, Jun 30 (AP): Underdogs Peru advanced to the semifinals of Copa America on Saturday after a goalless draw and a penalty shootout miss from Uruguay striker Luis Suarez.
Peru's next opponent will be defending champion Chile, who eliminated Colombia also on penalties Friday night. The match will take place Wednesday at the Arena do Grêmio in Porto Alegre.
Brazil and Argentina will face off Tuesday in Belo Horizonte for the other spot in the July 7 final at the Maracanã Stadium in Rio de Janeiro.
Suarez was the only player to miss from the spot and left the field in tears.
Edison Flores scored Peru's last goal in the 5-4 penalty shootout win.
Goalkeeper Pedro Gallese, who was under severe criticism after Peru was routed 5-0 by Brazil a week ago, saved Suarez shot with his belly and decided the match for the Peruvians.
"He is a goalkeeper that always appears in the important moments," said Peru coach Ricardo Gareca.
Peru got through the group as one of the top two teams finishing third place. Its only win in four matches was a 3-1 against weak Bolivia.
The match in Salvador offered few opportunities for both teams and was played under rain in the entire first half. Only 21,000 fans were at the 48,000-seater Arena Fonte Nova to watch.
Uruguay, the team that has won the most Copa Américas, with 15 titles, created the best opportunities during the 90 minutes, but the goals scored by Giorgian De Arrascaeta, Edinson Cavani and Suarez were disallowed by offside.
Coach Óscar Tabárez started the match with two of his most aggressive midfielders, Federico Valverde and Giorgian de Arrascaeta, hoping to take advantage of Peru's defensive troubles during group stage.
Peru advance in Copa America after Suarez misses penalty
FE Team | Published: June 30, 2019 21:27:27
Peru advance in Copa America after Suarez misses penalty
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