Paolo Guerrero opened his Copa América 2015 account with a hat-trick to fire Peruinto a semi-final meeting with Chile thanks to a 3-1 victory over Bolivia in Temuco.
Los Incas’ first came with 20 minutes on the clock as an inviting cross from the left flank by Juan Vargas was met by Guerrero, who top scored with five goals in 2011, and he guided a header beyond the helpless Romel Quiñónez.Their lead was doubled almost immediately as Bolivia lost possession after a free-kick on the edge of the Peru box, with a lightning break from Christian Cueva setting Guerrero free through the middle and he slotted beyond a stumbling Quiñónez with ease.
Jefferson Farfán struck the post and bar before the interval and dragged another good chance wide, while Pedro Gallese saved well from Marcelo Martins Moreno and also survived a vociferous penalty appeal when he challenged substitute Ricardo Pedriel.
But the contest was effectively settled in the 74th minute when a woeful pass from Danny Bejerano gifted the ball to Guerrero and he kept his composure to again beat Quiñónez and move level with Arturo Vidal as the tournament’s top scorer.
Martins Moreno did register a late consolation for El Verde as he drilled home from the penalty spot after Luis AdvÃncula felled the on-rushing Damián Lizio in the box.
Ricardo Gareca’s side, who upset the odds to finish second in Group C ahead of Colombia, now head to Santiago on Monday, where they will take on the tournament hosts in the first semi-final.
Bron: ca2015.com
