Peru tops Colombia 2-0 to reach Copa America semis

Peru tops Colombia 2-0 to reach Copa America semis

Published Jul. 16, 2011 7:56 p.m. ET

Midfielders Carlos Augusto Lobaton and Juan Manuel Vargas scored in extra time as Peru defeated Colombia 2-0 on Saturday to reach the Copa America semifinals.

Lobaton fired a powerful shot from just inside the penalty area in the 101st minute and Vargas sealed the victory with a shot from near the penalty spot in the 111th, helping Peru reach the final four for the first time since 1997.

Colombia, a title favorite after playing well in the first round, had the best chance to break the scoreless deadlock in regulation, but star striker Radamel Falcao missed a penalty kick in the 65th, sending a low right-footed shot wide left.

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