Cornered after playing outnumbered for most of the second half, Peru succumbed 1-0 to Canada on Tuesday and was left with one foot out of the Copa América.
Jonathan David’s goal in the 74th minute on a textbook counterattack play sank Peru at Children’s Mercy Park Stadium in Kansas City, Kansas.
David beat Peruvian goalkeeper Pedro Gallese with a right foot at the entrance of the area. Canada’s goal was a matter of three passes, first with the departure of Cyle Larin, followed by the change of front from Jacob Shaffelburg to David on the right side.
The bookshelf collapsed for Jorge Fossati’s team due to the expulsion of defender Miguel Araujo just before the hour mark.
Araujo received a direct red card for “excessive force” on Shaffelburg, an expulsion that was ordered after the intervention of the VAR. Guatemalan referee Mario Escobar had initially shown a yellow card.
Araujo’s expulsion occurred just when the Peruvians were hinting at more danger.
With one man less, the roles were reversed, and Canada took the opportunity to unsettle Peru with the supersonic speed of men like David and Alphonso Davies.
David’s goal ended a drought of 391 minutes without scoring for Canada, which had just lost 2-0 to Argentina in the opening match of the continental tournament in Atlanta last Thursday.
It was also Canada’s first victory under the direction of American coach Jesse Marsh, appointed only in May. He began his period with a 4-0 defeat against the Netherlands and a 0-0 draw against France in friendlies.
Canada had not defeated a South American team in an official tournament for 24 years. Beat Colombia 2-0 in the CONCACAF Gold Cup final
The match had to be interrupted in first-half stoppage time, when linesman Humberto Panjoj fainted. Panjoj looked conscious as he was taken out on a stretcher. The temperature exceeded 32 degrees Celsius (90 F).
Peru was left with the point it earned in the 0-0 draw against Chile in its debut. They will close the group stage against defending champion Argentina on Saturday outside Miami.
At the same time, Canada will face Chile in Orlando, Florida.
