Colombia came victorious in the Copa America third-place play-off on Friday, beating Peru 3-2, with forward Luis Diaz scoring two goals and the goalie Camilo Vargas assisting on one.
Argentina won the competition final against Brazil on Saturday night at the Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro, claiming their first trophy in 28 years and Lionel Messi lifting his first international title after competing in many finals.
Colombia made a strong start by maintaining possession of the ball. They made multiple attempts to attack the Peruvian goal but were unsuccessful. Juan Cuadrado posed the greatest threat due to his deception and crossing.
Yerry Mina and Oscar Murillo were both put up for headers from set pieces, but both missed. Duvan Zapata, who had a bad tournament, attempted but failed to salvage what he could.
A superior Colombian team, on the other hand, prompted Peru to use ball chasers. They were essentially attacking on the break, and Gianluca Lapadula came dangerously close to scoring after Christian Cueva’s through ball.
Yoshimar Yotun scored the game’s first goal putting Peru in the lead in the 28th minute, thanks to a stunning lob from Christian Cueva past Colombia’s Vargas.
After Juan Guillermo Cuadrado’s free shot went past Peruvian goalie Pedro Gallese in the 49th minute, Colombia tied the game.
In the 66th minute, Vargas kicked the ball above opposing players, finding Diaz one on one with Peru’s Gallese and giving Colombia its first lead. The attacker made it 2-1 with a simple right-footed strike.
In the 82nd minute, Gianluca Lapadula equalized with a header from a corner.
Diaz scored his second goal in extra time, this time with a shot from outside the box. Gallese was beaten after the ball bounced off a Peruvian defender.
With the win, Colombia secured third place in the Copa America, with hosts Brazil finishing in second place and Argentina claiming the title after almost 30 years without success.
