Peru delivers knock out to Brazil with Copa America upset
Peru stunned Brazil ,1-0, on Sunday night in Foxborough, Mass., to eliminate the Brazilians from Copa America on a late goal by Raul Ruidiaz that might have been a hand ball.
Peru beat Brazil for the first time in 31 years to win Group B and will face Colombia in the quarterfinals on Friday.
Dominated for most of the game, Peru’s Andy Polo managed a takeaway and crossed to Ruidiaz in the box. He deflected the ball into the net, and Brazil keeper Alisson immediately complained the ball also made contact with Ruidiaz’s hand. After a lengthy discussion by referees, the goal was allowed.
Peru had 10 losses and six draws since 1985. Brazil is eliminated after reaching at least the quarterfinals of every Copa America since 1993.
The group stage loss also could put the job of Brazil Coach Dunga at risk.
Ecuador 4, Haiti 0: Enner Valencia scored and had two assists to help Ecuador to the victory at East Rutherford, N.J., and a spot in the Copa America quarterfinals for the first time since 1997.
Ecuador (1-0-2), which locked up second in Group B play, will play Group A winner United States on Thursday in Seattle.
Valencia fired in a low shot in the 11th minute, taking a long feed from Christian Noboa from the corner of the six-yard box. Valencia then tapped a layoff to Jaime Ayovi for a roller past goalkeeper Johny Palcide about nine minutes later.
Noboa and Antonio Valencia added goals in the 57th and 78th minutes Ecuador had 22 shots, including 10 on target, compared to just eight for Haiti (0-3-0), which finished the tournament with a minus-11 goal differential.
