Chile edged out Peru 1-0 in their Pacific 'clasico' on Monday to win Group C at the Copa America. Both sides went into their group finale on four points, enough to see both sides into the quarter-finals. But it was a largely turgid affair which Peruvian defender Andre Carrillo settled by deflecting into his own net in injury-time, the effort initially credited to team-mate Aldo Corzo.
Both sides ended the contest with ten men after a flare up on the hour which saw Chile have Jean Beausejour red-carded and Peru also have Giancarlo Carmona sent off by Brazilian referee Salvio Fagundes. Both nations also gave a run out to several reserve players as they sought to stave off the possibility of suspensions for the next game - though for Beausejour and Carmona that move backfired as they will both be suspended for the quarters.
William Chiroque sent a pair of early efforts over as Peru made a bright start, while Humberto Suazo shaved the post for the Chileans as they settled into their rhythm. The win put the Chileans, who have never won the event, on seven points from their three games with the Peruvians, who won the last of their two titles in 1975, on four. Chile, backed by some 25,000 travelling fans, will next face the team which comes second in Group B - which could be any one of Paraguay, Brazil and Venezuela.
"We are not worried about who we face," said Chilean striker Humberto Suazo. Uruguay could now take second spot - and book a quarter-final meeting with Argentina - if they win the late match against Mexico, who are already on their way home after losing their opening two games.
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