Peru to claim third place in Copa América
Peru and Colombia, both having run world giants Brazil and Argentina so close respectively, will now face each other in the Copa América 2021 third place play-off the day before the main event. Little more than pride will truly be at stake, but the extra time Ricardo Gareca's men have had to recuperate might just give them the edge. Read our preview here:
Carrillo chameleon
Gareca will also be able to count on having winger André Carrillo back in the fold after his suspension expired, and his dynamism, which has been on full view throughout the tournament, will hurt La Tricolor down either flank, and he has the ability to swap between them without losing efficacy. The backline will revert to a four, partly to accommodate his return, and since their opening day whitewash against Brazil, it has looked tight, and should be able to handle most of what Colombia can create from open play.
Dirty Sánchez
Similar can be said though of their opponents on Friday night, but they will need goalkeeper David Ospina to keep his erratic tendencies to a minimum. The experienced custodian rushed out of his area in the defeat to Argentina on penalties, and could've cost his teammates dearly well before that lottery. Davinson Sánchez will need to be mindful of that, and also the need to make the most of offensive set pieces, given the general lack of threat the forward line have had throughout the tournament.
Sport Boys
Even with victory, Peru will fall one place short of their collective efforts from two years ago, but can take plenty of heart from the way that they have grown into this particular controversial summer showpiece. Casumo have odds of 2.75 that they'll gain the bronze medal.
