Audio By Carbonatix
Peru ended Chile's hopes of winning a third consecutive Copa America title as they reached a first final since 1975 with a comfortable semi-final victory.
Edison Flores and Yoshimar Yotun scored first-half goals and Paolo Guerrero added a late third for Peru, while Chile missed an injury-time penalty.
Peru meet hosts Brazil in the final on Sunday, after they beat Argentina 2-0.
"We've come through some tough moments in the Copa and we deserve to be in the final," said Peru coach Ricardo Gareca.
Peru's performance came one match after they were thumped 5-0 by Brazil in their final group game and Gareca, 61, added: "We managed to overcome the huge adversity that was this defeat, and that was hastily judged and provoked a wave of harsh criticism."
Chile squandered a number of chances - including the late penalty with Eduardo Vargas' attempted 'Panenka-style' spot-kick saved by in-form Peru goalkeeper Pedro Gallese.
Peru, who beat 15-time winners Uruguay on penalties in the quarter-finals, opened the scoring in the 21st-minute when winger Flores nodded in from a corner.
Left-back Yotun volleyed in a second before the break, to punish a mistake by Chile keeper Gabriel Arias.
Guerrero completed the victory in injury time over a Chile side ranked 16th in the world, five places above Peru.
Chile manager Reinaldo Rueda was unable to explain his side's performance, following their penalty shootout win over Colombia in the quarter-finals and said Peru "surprised" them.
"I don't know what factors could have influenced these first 20 minutes that made the difference," said the Colombian.
"Mentally we wanted to play the final without dealing first with this step and Peru surprised us."
Chile had been aiming to win a third title on the bounce, a feat not achieved since Argentina managed it from 1945-47.
The Copa America final takes places at Rio's Maracana Stadium on Sunday, 7 July
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Tags:
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Latest Stories
-
Is talk of “losses” by GoldBod just abstract drivel? Bright Simons asks
25 minutes -
US Strikes: Ondo Amotekun arrests 39 fleeing suspected terrorists
31 minutes -
New Passport Office opens in Techiman, bringing vital services closer to Bono East residents
1 hour -
Anthony Hopkins shares advice as he celebrates 50 years of sobriety
1 hour -
KTU Radio wins international award for its unique programme on World College Radio Day
1 hour -
German court jails man for drugging, raping and filming wife for years
1 hour -
Ashanti police intercept 2,600 AK-47 rounds and tactical gear at Asankare Barrier
2 hours -
Alhaji Agongo builds lifeline facility for Ghana Police Hospital’s ‘Unknown Patients’
2 hours -
Removal of Chief Justice Torkonoo had economic implications – Samson Lardy Anyenini
2 hours -
Ronaldo will not retire until he scores 1,000 goals
2 hours -
Amerado shuts down Okese Park with third edition of My Motherland Concert in Ejisu
2 hours -
Mahama visits Kufuor at Peduase to extend Christmas and New Year wishes
2 hours -
Man City close to agreeing terms Bournemouth to sign Semenyo
2 hours -
Time is right to change Man Utd formation – Amorim
2 hours -
Akufo-Addo’s record not entirely negative despite economic challenges – Anyenini
2 hours
