Paolo Guerrero (#9) leads the Peru national team (Photo : Reuters)
In a battle of two underdog teams, Group C's Venezuela and Peru slug it out for a chance to qualify in the quarterfinals of the 2015 Copa America. Their match is going to be held at the Estadio Elías Figueroa in Valparaíso, Chile on Thursday, June 18.
Venezuela is the team of the moment after its shocking 1-0 win over tournament favorite and James Rodriguez-led Colombia during its opening game on Sunday.
La Vinotinto was spearheaded by forward Salomón Rondón, who scored the lone point against José Pékerman's boys as he headed a goal at the hour mark of their contest to sink presumed contender Colombia, via Bleacher Report.
Coach Noel Sanvicente will surely use the momentum of that match against a gritty Peruvian squad led by forward Paolo Guerrero, team captain Carlos Lobatón, and midfielder Christian Cueva, who put Peru on the board against Brazil in their own opener last Sunday.
While La Blanquirroja lost a hard-fought 1-2 match against Dunga's Seleção boys, they showed great potential to topple even the top favorites in this summer's tourney.
The two squads faced each other in a friendly last March with Venezuela edging Peru 1-0, as per NBC Sports' Pro Soccer Talk. On Thursday, expect another low-scoring game between the two sides as they try to move on to the next round.
The predicted result is a tough 1-0 Peru win over Venezuela. Too many stars for La Blanquirroja as compared to their opponents. However, La Vinotinto may again pull off an upset.
Peru starting lineup (4-2-3-1 formation): Gallese; Advíncula, Zambrano, Ascues, Vargas; Ballon, Lobaton; Cueva, Sanchez, Farfan; Guerrero
Venezuela starting lineup (4-4-2 formation): Baroja; Rosales, Vizcarrondo, Amorebieta, Cichero; Murillo, Seijas, Rincon, Arango; Rondon, Martinez
