Claudio Pizarro scored the decisive goal in Peru's 1-0 win against Venezuela ©Getty Images

Peru reignited their bid to qualify for the Copa América knock-out stages after Claudio Pizarro’s second-half gold secured them a 1-0 victory against Venezuela at the Estadio Elías Figueroa Brander in Valparaíso.

The seasoned striker, 36, fired home with just less than 20 minutes remaining to settle a closely-fought encounter.

Venezuela’s Fernando Amorebieta was shown a straight red card by Bolivian referee Raul Orozco shortly before the half-hour mark after he appeared to stamp on the knee of opponent Paolo Guerrero, following a battle for possession.

The best chance of the first half fell to Venezuela striker Salomón Rondón, scorer of the only goal in his country’s surprise Group C win against Colombia. 

In the sixth minute, Rondón managed to get his outstretched foot to the ball after a quickly taken Alejandro Guerra free-kick from the left, but was unable to generate enough power to cause any problems for Peru goalkeeper Pedro Gallese.

Venezuela's Fernando Amorebieta was shown a straight red card in the first half after appearing to stamp on the knee of Peru's Paolo Guerrero
Venezuela's Fernando Amorebieta was shown a straight red card in the first half after appearing to stamp on the knee of Peru's Paolo Guerrero ©Getty Images

Venezuela were on top before Amorebieta’s dismissal forced them to adopt a more defensive approach, sacrificing midfielder Ronald Vargas for left-back Gabriel Cichero in the 38th minute.

While Venezuela still posed a threat on the counter attack, Peru took control in the second half and came close to opening the scoring shortly after the hour-mark only for Guerrero’s cross to elude his team mates inside the penalty area.

But not to be denied, Peru finally broke the deadlock in the 72nd minute when Pizarro’s left-footed strike from inside the box proved too powerful for the hand of Venezuela goalkeeper Alain Baroja.

The result leaves all four teams in Group C, which also includes Brazil and Colombia, level on three points after two rounds of matches.

Tomorrow's Copa América action is due to see Group A take centre stage as hosts Chile face Bolivia after Mexico's clash with Ecuador. 


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