Copa America in Foxborough: Peru Upsets Brazil on Handball Goal

Foxborough, MA - Another night, another Copa America game at Gillette Stadium with a controversial game-winning goal.

After nearly 75 minutes of scoreless soccer, it took what appeared to be a handball to give Peru a 1-0 win over Brazil, not that the underdogs will complain about their first win against the South American juggernaut since 1985.

With the loss, Brazil has failed to make the knockout round of the tournament for the first time since 1987. It is Peru’s eight consecutive trip out of the group stage.

Peru took their lead in the 75th minute when a cross from Andy Polo found Raul Ruidiaz. Despite video evidence of a handball and the referees holding an extended conference, the questionable call stood.

“It was a disputed game. It was a game we dominated,” Brazil head coach Dunga said.
Dunga, who is facing pressure for Brazil’s recent tournament failures, contended that his side lost could be contributed to the call.

“Brazil controlled the game. You cannot predict a game that was suppose to be 0-0. Once the ref awarded the goal, you saw the hand. There’s no way for a player or coach to influence that.”

Brazil’s first-half effort was the opposite of their final 45 minutes, having everything but the goal. The team dominated possession, having the ball for over two-third of the first half.

Brazil’s first good opportunity at goal came in the 27th minute from Gabriel.

Despite the pressure and some lazy passes from the defense, Peru escaped the first half with the draw. In the second half, the team began to apply more offensive pressure to a Brazillian team that at times looked lost and out of ideas.

With the win, Peru finished the group state at the top of Group B. They will travel to East Rutherford, N.J. for a quarterfinal match against Ecuador on June 17.