Claudio Pizarro nets Peru winner against 10-man Venezuela in Copa America

Claudio Pizarro scored an emphatic winner for Peru against 10-man Venezuela, keeping alive his side’s chances of making the Copa America quarter-finals.

Venezuela dominated much of the first half, but were reduced to 10 men following the dismissal of defender Fernando Amorebieta after just 30 minutes for a stamp on Paolo Guerrero. And with a man advantage Peru took control.

Ricardo Gareca’s side struggled to break down Venezuela, even with their man advantage, but finally found the breakthrough after 71 minutes when Pizarro smashed home a finish off the underside of the bar following a neat pass through by Guerrero.

7’ SHOT ON GOAL: That wasn't a bad effort. Guerra strikes a half-volley really cleanly and sends a strike towards the target, but it's straight at the Peru goalkeeper and Gallese can make the save.

11’ RONDON SHOULD SCORE! Arango teases a wonderful clipped cross into the striker, who got in front of his marker. But he can only direct the shot into the hands of Gallese. What a chance.

34’ RED CARD! A huge decision that will have a big impact on this match. Amorebieta was involved in a challenge with Guerrero, but the Venezuela defender looked to stamp on the Peru player on the ground.

49’ NOT FAR AWAY! Pizarro stoops to meet a Vargas cross into the box. The Bayern Munich man heads a glancing effort towards goal but it flashes over the bar at the near post.

52’ ON TO THE ROOF OF THE NET! Guerrero was always backtracking but his header towards goal has Baroja worried. But he only succeeds in putting the header on top of the net.

66’ LAST MAN: Peru lose the ball, with Arango picking a pass for Rondon. The striker had the chance to beat the last man, but he didn't have the pace to get away from Zambrano. What an opportunity.

71’ GOAL! Peru 1 Venezuela 0: We have the breakthrough, finally! Guerrero's touch creates the space for Pizarro inside the area, who smashes a finish in off the underside of the bar

Venezuela had the chance to put one foot in the quarter-finals with a victory over Peru, following on from their victory over Colombia. However, Peru’s win means that all four teams in Group C - Brazil, Colombia, Peru and Venezuela - all have three points each heading into the last round of fixtures. It’s all up for grabs and there could be some big-name casualties.

The striker is without a club having left Bayern Munich at the end of last season, after going an entire season without scoring a goal, but for Peru he is still a leader and proved himself a very able replacement for the injured Jefferson Farfan. Pizarro was impressive throughout, and took his goal really well - smashing a finish in off the underside of the crossbar with aplomb.

Peru - Gallese 7, Advincula 7, Zambrano 7, Ascues 6, Vargas 6, Ballon 5, Cueva 7, Lobaton 6, Sanchez 6, Guerrero 7, Pizarro 8. Subs - Reyna 6, Hurtado 5, Yotun.

Venezuela - Baroja 6, Rosales 5, Vizcarrondo 6, Tunez 7, Amorebieta 3, Seijas 6, Arango 6, Rincon 6, Vargas 6, Guerra 6, Rondon 6. Subs - Martinez 5, Miku.