Copa America hosts Venezuela registered their second ever victory in the 91-year history of the competition with a 2-0 win over Peru in Group A on Sunday. Second half goals from Alejandro Cichero and Daniel Arismendi were enough to settle an ill-tempered contest marred by some poor refereeing. Venezuela go top with four points, while Peru come second on three points, leading Uruguay on goal difference. Mexican referee Benito Archundia sent off Peru's Pedro Garcia in the 14th minute after a row with Venezuela's Giancarlo Maldonado, but the latter was just cautioned.
Uruguay secured a vital win The Peruvians also had a reasonable penalty claim turned down by Archundia in the 62nd minute when Claudio Pizarro appeared to be fouled inside the area, after Cichero's 49th minute header put the hosts in front. Venezuelan midfielder Richard Paez was sent off for a second bookable offense in the 78th minute, but substitute Arismendi killed off the game with the second goal a minute later. In the other Group A game, Uruguay beat Bolivia 1-0 thanks to a 58th minute striker from Vicente Sanchez. Uruguay jump to third with three points, and Bolivia are almost eliminated as they lie bottom with just one point.
