Copa America 2016: Peru 0-0 Colombia (2-4 penalties) - 5 talking points

Ospina Colombia
David Ospina was the hero for Colombia

Colombia reached the semi-finals of the Copa America for the first time since 2004 as they beat Peru 4-2 on penalties after finishing goalless in normal time. Los Cafeteros, who had all their regulars back in the starting XI after being benched last time out, weren’t able to find a way past the Peruvian defence, whereas Los Incas themselves, struggled to have any sort of impact in the attack.

The game was swamped in humdrum right from the start, failing to produce any nervy moments, and eventually ended 0-0. In the penalty shoot-out Colombia scored all four of their spot-kicks through James Rodriguez, Juan Cuadrado, Dayro Moreno and Sebastian Perez, turning the pressure on Peru.

Raul Ruidiaz and Renato Tapia found the net, but Miguel Trauco had his shot saved by David Ospina. Christian Cueva stepped up next, and had to score to keep them alive, but instead, blasted his shot well over the post to send Peru packing.

Here are the major talking points from New Jersey’s MetLife stadium today.

1) A game not worthy of a quarter-final

Colombia Peru
Peru vs Colombia : A game bordering on mediocrity

Barely 24 hours after the USA’s thrilling 2-1 victory over Ecuador in the first quarter-final, Peru and Colombia managed to bring the bar down once again with a dour display in the second quarter-final of the tournament.

The teams were lacking in the drive and desire as seen in the earlier match, and the penalty shoot-out was perhaps the only fitting way to decide a winner.

Colombia started on a stronger note, creating a handful of chances during the early stages. Carlos Bacca and James Rodriguez each wasted a glorious chance to put the La Tricolor in front, and the match went into dullsville thereon.

Peru, who were subdued for large spells, almost created a late drama when Christian Ramos leapt to head home Paolo Guerrero’s corner-kick, but David Ospina made a great save to deny him.

The match saw chances coming in only bits and parts but lacked any genuine moments. The game resembled more of a group game than a quarter-final.

2) Colombian stars fail to shine

James rodriguez
James Rodriguez failed to have the kind of impact he did in the earlier matches.

Following the mistake of fielding a weakened line-up against Costa Rica that cost Colombia the first position in group A, manager Jose Pekerman took no risks this time as he fielded his strongest XI with James Rodriguez, Carlos Bacca, Juan Cuadrado and Christian Zapata all featuring from the start. However, it did not produce as much an impact as it was expected from them.

Peru had proved to be a tough nut to crack this year, winning twice in the group stages, including the controversial elimination of Brazil, and also maintaining a clean-sheet on both occasions. Regardless, Colombia had enough tools in their armor to sail through, yet toiled until the last minute.

Carlos Bacca dragged his effort wide of the target early on, whereas James Rodriguez could only meet the post. Bacca was then presented with a late chance to seal the match after being played by a ball over the top of Peru's defence, but the Milan striker failed to connect with it.

For the rest of the match, there was hardly any threat from the Colombian attack, whereas the midfield was lacklustre too.

3) No second time lucky for Peru

Peru football team
Peru could not get the better of the Colombian team

Ricardo Gareca's side reached the last 8 in the most controversial of circumstances when Peru beat Brazil courtesy of a handball. Raul Ruidiaz apparently used his hands to push the ball over the line, and the match referee, despite consulting the fourth official, allowed the goal to stay. Los Incas went on win the game and advanced to the knock-out rounds.

It was very fortuitous of them to get here, but they ran out of luck in the quarter-finals as they were ousted on penalties.

Underwhelming from the start, Peru never came out of their shell. When Colombia pushed forward initially, La Blanquirroja had no answer and were really lucky to be let off the hook. Even after that, there was hardly any effort from Peru, and their chance was also parried away by David Ospina in the dying minutes.

Peru had no luck by their side this time around as they beaten in the ensuing penalty shoot-out.

4) Ospina the savior for Colombia

David ospina saves
David Ospina denies Miguel Trauco in a stunning fashion

Whilst the rest of bunch failed to show up, Colombia found their match-winner from the unlikeliest of players in David Ospina, who made a crucial save in the final moments of the match to force a shoot-out, and also made an excellent block in the penalties.

With hardly anything to do in the match, the Arsenal custodian was called into action in the final 5 minutes of the game when Peru won a corner and Paolo Guerrero’s kick was on its way towards Christian Ramos. A very vigilante Ospina, however, jumped to parry the shot away.

As a penalty shoot-out ensued, Ospina made another vital contribution when he denied Miguel Trauco in the third attempt, swinging the balance in Colombia’s favour. The Coffee Growers eventually won 4-2, and thanks in no small part to their man in between the sticks.

5) Colombia must up the ante in the semis

Colombia celebrate
Colombia celebrate their shoot-out win over Peru

It wasn’t graceful, but it was still enough to get the job done. However, Colombia must do far better than this in the last four against either Mexico or Chile if they were to reach the finals for the first time since 2001.

This was hardly a vintage performance from a Colombia side that has immense potential to make big strides. Following two encouraging shows in the first two games of the tournament, Los Cafeteros have gone downhill, and must find their mojo back as semi-finals aren’t far away.

Both Mexico and Chile can prove to be tough opposition despite their own problems, and another subpar display against them can prove to be too costly.

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Edited by Staff Editor