Last-gasp Vargas goal sees Peru edge Czech Republic
PRAHA -- A tame affair was set to end in a scoreless draw. Then,
Juan Manuel Vargas changed the script.
Vargas scored a dramatic goal in the dying seconds to give Peru a 1-0 triumph over the Czech Republic in a friendly played in rainy conditions at Generali Arena. Vargas struck for the second time in three games after heading home a cross from fellow substitute
Luis Advincula from the right, improving Peru to 3-0 since
Ricardo Gareca took over as head coach.
The game was mostly a battle of the midfields, but the Peruvians were better from the run of play and created a handful of half-chances.
Carlos Zambrano came close to scoring on a header off a corner kick in the first half, but
Peter Cech did well to deny him.
Cech was solid in between the pipes for the Czechs throughout, but could do little about Vargas' header near the death.
CZECH REPUBLIC 0-1 PERU
Possession: 56-44
Shots (Shots On Goal): 2(1) - 5(4)
Yellow Cards:
Red Cards:
GOALS
90+2' -- Peru --
Juan Manuel Vargas (Luis Advincula) -- Andre Carrillo sprayed a ball deep down the right flank that Advincula raced to and ran with to the endline before crossing it to the top of the six-yard box, where Vargas nodded a perfect header past Cech with authority.
PERU LINEUP (4-4-1-1):
GK: Pedro Gallese
RB: Pedro Requena (Renzo Revoredo 84')
RCB: Carlos Zambrano
LCB: Hansell Riojas
LB: Jair Cespedes
RM: William Chiroque (Luis Advincula 77')
CM: Carlos Lobaton (Josepmir Ballon '90+2)
DM: Edwin Retamoso
LM: Jean Deza (Juan Manuel Vargas 59')
SS: Jefferson Farfan (Cristian Benavente 62')
ST: Claudio Pizarro (c) (Andre Carrillo 77')