It took more than 90 minutes to determine the first spot in Copa America’s second semifinal, but Colombia was able to outlast Peru in a penalty shootout. In a game filled with fouls and physical play, Peru stuck to their bend-don’t-break gameplan and survived 90 minutes of Colombia’s attack.
Colombia were eliminated on penalties at Copa America 2015, falling 5-4 to Argentina.
Captain James Rodriguez got things started for Colombia in the shootout, burying the first penalty. Diaz responded, slotting Peru’s first attempt to tie the score.
Cuadrado calmly finished, with Tapia responding to make it 2-2. Moreno went right down the middle to make it 3-2, and Colombia went ahead after an Ospina save denied Trauco.
Perez scored to put Colombia ahead 4-2, and with the match on the line, Cueva misses to end the shootout.
With the victory, Colombia advances to the semifinals next week, though their opponent is yet to be determined. They will await the winner of Chile and Mexico, a match scheduled for a 10 p.m. start Saturday night in Santa Clara.
The semifinal will be held Wednesday, June 22nd at Soldier Field.