Carlos Zambrano had a separate duel with Alexis Sanchez in the match between Peru and Chile for the first date of Group A of the Copa America 2024, played this Friday, June 21 at AT&T Stadium. He ‘Kaiser’ He made his presence known to the Chilean striker from the first minute and even committed a hard foul that was quickly penalized in the first half of the contest.
The Peruvian defender received the confidence of his coach Jorge Fossati to start in this important ‘Pacific classic’ and did his thing on the Texas field from the opening whistle. With his hierarchy and experience, the Alianza Lima footballer took the lead in the defensive line of the ‘bicolor’ and he met the most dangerous in Chile on several occasions.
Precisely, when the 17th minute of the confrontation passed, Zambrano met with Alexis Sanchez in a strong crossing in the middle of the field. The Peruvian center back did not let the Chilean midfielder receive the ball comfortably in an exit from the ‘red’after giving him a hard kick from behind.
The Inter Milan attacker was left lying on the grass for several seconds, complaining of pain. For his part, the ‘Kaiser’ He was punished with a yellow card by the referee’s decision, saving himself from expulsion. However, he was committed for the second half of the match, since a similar action could cost him a major sanction (red card).
It is worth mentioning that the first half ended tied without goals. The two teams left at halftime without a good feeling, after a very frictional match that was reflected in the statistics: during the first 45 minutes 17 fouls and two yellow cards were recorded.
Without a doubt, one of the best news for the Peruvian team has been the return of the best version of Carlos Zambrano. He ‘Kaiser’ In recent months he focused on recovering his football level and regained the confidence to defend the national colors under the command of Jorge Fossati. He himself is in charge of realizing on the field what he is capable of, being decisive in the Uruguayan’s scheme.
In fact, the Peruvian defender was the protagonist in the friendlies against Paraguay and El Salvador, prior to the start of the Copa América 2024, and had an excellent performance in both matches, playing almost every minute. His presence was noted and ‘bicolor’ He did not concede a goal largely due to his performance and that of his teammates.
In that sense, Fossati has kept Zambrano as the main center back in his lineup for good reason. Against Chile he has also had a good performance and will hope to continue with that good level in the remaining challenges of the continental competition.
After this confrontation against Chile, the peruvian team It will continue its path in the Copa América 2024, which takes place in the United States. His next rival will be none other than Canadawhich has just lost its debut against Argentina, but had positive feelings by putting the current world champion in trouble on more than one occasion.
The duel against the combined ‘canucks’ for the second date of Group A It is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, June 25, starting at 5:00 p.m. in Peru at Sporting Park, a stadium located in Kansas. The ‘bicolor’ He will look for a victory that will allow him to stay alive in the fight for the ticket to the quarterfinals of the Conmebol competition.
