Copa America 2004 T-Shirts  |  Copa America 2004 Caps

Peruvians Draw Level With Bolivians on their debut

Peru began their campaign in the Copa América giving the local fans a scare after putting on a huge feast during the opening ceremony just before the match. After going 2 goals down against a surprising Bolivian team, Paulo Autuori´s men mounted a comeback and managed to earn a less frustrating result for the enthused supporters.

In the first half, after setting the pace, Peru suffered a terrible blow, when Joaquín Botero showcased his poacher´s instincts as Bolivia broke on the counter. With a 1-nil lead, the Bolivians, the basement boys in the South American Qualifiers for the 2006 World Cup, sat deep. Peru, who kicked off with three strikers (Maestri the late substitute for Palacios) created a few opportunities, but were unable to beat goalkeeper Leo Fernandez.

After the break, the match maintained the same pace, but after a dreadful defensive blunder, especially by keeper Oscar Ibañez, Bolivia added a second. Left-back Lorgio Alvarez rounding Ibañez before tucking the ball away. Trailing by two, Paulo Autuori decided to make changes and put Palacios and Mendonza on the pitch. The replacements paid off as Peru created clear chances. On 67 minutes, Vilches earned a spot-kick and Pizarro halved the deficit. Spurred on by the home fans, the hosts carried on pressing forward and were rewarded with the equalizer on 86 minutes. Midfielder Palacios scoring a blockbuster with an individual effort to gain a share of the spoils on 2-all.

Peru 2 x 2 Bolivia

Goals: Joaquín Botero 35/1, Lorgio Alvarez 12/2, Claudio Pizarro (pen) 22/2 e Roberto Palacios 41/2

Peru: Oscar Ibáñez, Santiago Acasiete, Miguel Rebosio, Jorge Soto and Walter Vilchez; Nolberto Solano (Roberto Palacios 15/2), Juan Jayo, Carlo Zegarra (Aldo Olcese 33/2) e Flavio Maestri (Andrés Mendoza 15/2); Jefferson Farfán and Claudio Pizarro. Coach: Paulo Autuori

Bolivia: Leonardo Fernández, Sergio Jáuregui, Ronald Arana, Ronald Raldes and Lorgio Álvarez; Limbert Pizarro (Juan Carlos Arce 40/2), Rubén Tufiño, Luis Cristaldo and Limberg Gutiérrez (Gonzalo Galindo 17/2); Miguel Mercado (Richard Rojas 27/2) e Joaquín Botero. Coach: Ramiro Blacut

Referee: Hector Baldassi (ARG)

Yellow Cards: Carlos Zegarra (38/1), Leonardo Fernández (30/2) and Joaquín Botero (40/2)

Source : Global.Terra.com

Videos	New Posters	CALENDARS	Books	Magazines	Games