Copa America 2016: Peru 0-0 Colombia (2-4 penalties) - 5 talking points

Colombia reached the semi-finals of the Copa America for the first time since 2004 as they beat Peru 4-2 on penalties after finishing goalless in normal time. Los Cafeteros, who had all their regulars back in the starting XI after being benched last time out, weren’t able to find a way past the Peruvian defence, whereas Los Incas themselves, struggled to have any sort of impact in the attack.

The game was swamped in humdrum right from the start, failing to produce any nervy moments, and eventually ended 0-0. In the penalty shoot-out Colombia scored all four of their spot-kicks through James Rodriguez, Juan Cuadrado, Dayro Moreno and Sebastian Perez, turning the pressure on Peru.

Raul Ruidiaz and Renato Tapia found the net, but Miguel Trauco had his shot saved by David Ospina. Christian Cueva stepped up next, and had to score to keep them alive, but instead, blasted his shot well over the post to send Peru packing.

Here are the major talking points from New Jersey’s MetLife stadium today.

1) A game not worthy of a quarter-final

Colombia Peru — Peru vs Colombia : A game bordering on mediocrity

Barely 24 hours after the USA’s thrilling 2-1 victory over Ecuador in the first quarter-final, Peru and Colombia managed to bring the bar down once again with a dour display in the second quarter-final of the tournament.

The teams were lacking in the drive and desire as seen in the earlier match, and the penalty shoot-out was perhaps the only fitting way to decide a winner.

Colombia started on a stronger note, creating a handful of chances during the early stages. Carlos Bacca and James Rodriguez each wasted a glorious chance to put the La Tricolor in front, and the match went into dullsville thereon.

Peru, who were subdued for large spells, almost created a late drama when Christian Ramos leapt to head home Paolo Guerrero’s corner-kick, but David Ospina made a great save to deny him.

The match saw chances coming in only bits and parts but lacked any genuine moments. The game resembled more of a group game than a quarter-final.