Peru set up Copa America final against Brazil with win over Chile

1975 was the last time Peru graced a Copa America final, which incidentally The Incas won with a 1-0 win over Colombia. 

This Peru side under the guidance of Argentine coach Ricardo Gareca have enjoyed a purple patch for Peruvian football after securing a place at the 2018 Russia World Cup and qualifying for the 2019 Copa America after a convincing win over holders Chile in Porto Alegre.  

Two first half goals from Flores and Yotun with a late Guerrero third, coupled with an inspired goalkeeping second half display from Alianza Lima's Pedro Gallese were instrumental in the win over a lacklustre Chilean side.   

Smiles all around from the Peru fans. Chile must now face Argentina in the game that no-one wants to play (3rd-4th place play-off) and Peru take on hosts Brazil in Rio on Sunday.

All over in Porto Alegre. Peru are in the 2019 Copa America final 

Confirmed. Chile win a penalty after Arangiuiz was upended. Vargas to take....Paneka style and Gallese saves. That sums up the night for Chile as the whistle goes!  

VAR check for a possible spot kick for Chile. 

We're well into the 5 minutes of time added on

1975 ..44 years since the Incas last graced a Copa America final

The veteran striker skips into the area and dummys the keeper tapping home into an empty net. Peru are headinbg to the Maracana on sunday !

Chile are moments away from an exit from the 2019 Copa America 

Maripan off Castillo his replacement for Chile

Chants of 'Olé, olé' ring out from Peru fans who now sense victory.

Chile dominating the ball but well away from the danger area. The Chilean fans looking forlorn now at the Arena do Gremio.

Sagal carded for a late challenge 

5' remain for Chile. La Roja desperately need to convert one of the many chances they have created but have found a major obstacle in Alianza Lima keeper Pedro Gallese. 

Vidal now sees Gallese stop his effort. Now Alexis strikes with the ball creeping in at the post only for the keeper to claw the ball away, great goalkeeping display from the Alianza Lima stopper this evening.

Peru and Brazil have already faced each other in this Copa America with Brazil offering a stunning display in Sao Paulo to see off the Incas 5-0 

Cueva off / Ballon on for Peru

Pulgar heads on target but easy pickings for Gallese. Time slipping away for La Roja.

The Chilean striker had his shirt tugged on his way to goal .

Vargas one on one with the keeper and the UANL striker sees his effort deflected. 

Another card, this time for Chile with Pulgar taking out Advincula 

Vargas almost heads home for Chile. One gets the feeling that it simply won't be La Roja's night.

Advincula first name in the book for a late challenge

Polo on with the injured Carillo making way

20' to go here in Porto Alegre. Can Chile find a way back?

Carillo the latest player to require attention after sustaining a muscular problem of some nature. The Peru medics take the Al-Hilal player to the sideline for more attention. 

Beausejour almost surprsies the Peru keeper who is forced to tap over. 

Fine job done by Argentine boss Gareca. Taking Peru to a World Cup (2018) and now on the cusp of a Copa America final. 

Aranguiz has a long range effort but his 20m hit drifts wide with Gallese rooted to the spot.

Cueva fires for Peru but his effort his high and wide. 

A historic Copa America final place just over 25' away from Peru. 44 years since the Incas last graced a final (1975).  

No yellow cards issued so far this evening from Mr Roldan. Game being played in a positive spirit.

What combination play from Peru on the counter with Guerrero feeding Yotun who blasts over from close range where a subtle touch would have sufficed. A major let-off for the Chiealn side tehre.  

Chile well on top, but still  no way through the white shirted Peru side.

Possession stats:

Arias hesitates and it's Medel who heads away the free kick. The Besiktas player takes a knock but seems okay to carry on.  

Carillo wins a free kick for his side and a brief respite after minutes of Chilean domination.

Chile have emerged with a more determined attitude, the holders finished the first half strongly after being outclassed for the opening 30 minutes of tonight's tie.

Chile hit the post with Vargas heading the ball onto the woodwork.

Peru forced into a change with Flores being replaced by Gonzales. A major blow for Peru with Flores looking good in the first half.

The man who opened the scoring tonight sadly being stretchered from the pitch. Not looking good for the 25-year-old !

Flores on the floor receving treatment after a collssion with a man in red.

The Yotun goal in all it's glory where the Chile keeper Arias goes walkabouts

What can Chile offer? The current holders are less than 45' away from losing their title.  

Fuenzalida off-Sagal on for Chile at the break

Peru fans in the Parque Central (Miraflores) in Lima celebrating their half time advantage

The whistle sounds at the Arena do Gremio and it's Peru who are on the cusp of a Copa America 2019 final berth, currently leading Chile 2-0   

Strong finish from Chile here as 3' are set to be added.

Chile almost strike but Gallese tips over the Chilean effort. Very very good game we have on our hands here in Porto Alegre which is something as this has been far from a vintage Copa America!

Zambrano does well to clear the danger after neat build up play from the chilean side.

Aranguiz goes close but skies his shot. 

Chile have moved to a back three in an effort to counter the Peru attack.

Chile are shell shocked and have been totally unable to deal with Peru's direct and positive style of playing tonight.

A shocker from the Racing keeper ....

Jotun volleys the ball into an empty net...what was Arias doing as the Chilean keeper rushes out of his net to close down a ball. 

On the subject of the Peru shirt, it's certainly 'up there' with the finest national team shirts ! 

Chile enjoying a sustained spell of possession moving the ball around with poise and purpose but unable to find a way through the white and red shirts.  

Tapia collides with Alexis and comes off the worst. 

Chile win a corner with Alexis finally getting into the action for La Roja. Wicked strike which almost creeps in and needs Guerrero to drive away.

Tapia almost squirms into the box with the ball which just fails to bounce nicely for the player. Chile somewhat shell shocked with the Peru pressure. 

Possession after 29'

Edison Flores again for Peru with the 25-year-old unleashing a fierce drive which drifts wide. Peru on fire here ! 

Quick response from Chile with Isla slicing the ball dangerously across the mouth of the Peru goal but no-one in a red shirt present to tap home.

Peru fans ecstatic in the crowd sensing a Copa America final on Sunday. The goal was more than desereved for the Incas who have been well on top for the opening stage of the semi final.

No mistake this time from the Morelia player with a fine left footed half volley. Fine delivery from the right hands side where Peru have dominated. 

Fine work from Guerrero who feeds Flores but the Morelia man slices his shot wide. Wasteful from the  25-year-old.  

Play held up again as Aranguiz receives attention. 

Peru work the ball well on the edge of the Chile box with neat combination passes but just unable to find the final opening for a shot.

15' gone in Porto Alegre. evenly balanced tie with Peru shading proceedings

Chile XI prior to the game

Peru team pre kick-off

Medel currently on the floor after picking up a knock after a collision with Guerrero. Peru looking electric down the right hand flank with Carillo and Advinclula looking sharp. 

Chile go close as Aranguiz side foots the ball wide from close range. Two great chances for both sides now. 

Peru enjoying a brighter start in the early stages of the semi-final, dominating the ball at present.

Peru on the attack with a dangerous free. Whipped in by Yotun but headed away by Vargas.

As was the case in the first semi final in Belo Horizonte last night, the Porto alegre pitch looks dry, hard and bumpy.  

Peru go close as Cueva fires wide with the goal beckoning. Fine build-up play from Guerrero.

Gloves being selected by players on both sides tonight to combat the chill Porto Alegre air.

Wilmar Roldan just making the final checks ahead of the start of the game. Peru get the action underway.....

2015 in Chile was the last Copa America meeting between both sides with the home side running out 2-1 winners on the night.

Peru made it through to the quarter final stage as one of the best third placed sides and then provided an upset beating Uruguay on spot kicks after 0-0. 

How Chile finished in their group. La Roja then overcame Colombia in a shoot out in the quarter finals. 

Peru bagged the Copa America in 1939 and their last win was back in 1975 

Chile lifted the trophy in 2015 & 2016

The players are in the tunnel as kick-off is just 5' off. Both Chile and Peru hoping to add to their 2 x Copa America triumphs.

Plenty of Peru fans at the Arena do Gremio tonight too. 

Chile dressing room ready for action

The Peru dressing room as kick-off looms

Speaking to the media earlier this week, Arturo Vidal claimed that a recent defeat to Peru would be pushed to one side ahead of the semi-final. 

Full article here: https://en.as.com/en/2019/07/02/football/1562090046_281292.html 

Chile fans making the trek to Porto Alegre from Viña del Mar  

It looks like we're back to spartan attendances again. A problem that has blighted this 2019 Copa America.  

Smiles all round from Vidal as he warms-up in the Arena do Gremio tonight

Chile have been eliminated once in five previous appearances in the Copa America semi-finals (against Uruguay in 1999), while Peru have come unstuck in five of their previous six appearances at this stage.

Peru have kept a clean sheet in each of their last three Copa America knockout games (W1 D2), last conceding in such a match in their 2015 semi-final loss to Chile.

Chile have beaten Peru in eight of their 20 Copa America meetings (D6 L6); in all competitions, Chile have won 44 of their 80 games against Peru (D14 L22)

Some stats ahead of CHIPER: 

Fine graphics from our colleagues in AS Mexico

and Peru XI

Chile XI 

Peru fans belting out chants in Porto Alegre with kick off looming 

A fresh July night in Porto Alegre with a temperature of just 9C in the Brazilian city currently.

Chile highly fancied to secure a berth in Sunday's final at 2/1 with a final placing from the Peruvians a longer shot at 5/1. 

...and Chile confirm their starting 11 

The Peru XI just confirmed: 

Tonight's match ball centre pitch at the Arena do Gremio.

Tonight's match official team.

Peru, who only reached the knockout rounds as one of the group stage's best third-placed teams, upset Uruguay on spot-kicks last time out and are now 90 minutes away from a showpiece clash against hosts Brazil on Sunday.

Chile remained on track to defend their status as South American champions by squeezing past Colombia on penalties in the last eight.

Hello and welcome to our live coverage from Porto Alegre (Brazil) as Chile and Peru look for a place in Sunday's final.