Group D play kicked off in Orlando Monday night, with a Blas Perez brace leading Panama to a 2-1 win over Bolivia at a rainy Citrus Bowl.
Perez’s goals were #40 and #41 of his international career, now just one shy of Luis Tejada’s Panama record.
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Controlling play from the opening whistle, it took Panama just 11 minutes to take the lead. Alberto Quintero swung in a cross from the left wing, with Vancouver Whitecaps’ Blas Perez sliding in for a great finish off the volley.
Blas Perez turns home Alberto Quintero's cross to put Panama in front. #PANvBOL #MyCopaColors https://t.co/nWb7uWkB75
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 6, 2016
Bolivia manager Julio Cesar Baldivieso made two substitutions at halftime that turned the match, as his side drew level less than ten minutes after the break. A misjudged free kick from Panama goalkeeper Jaime Penedo forced his defender into an awkward clearance, which fell for an open Juan Carlos Arca to equalize.
Juan Carlos Arce sends a clean strike past Penedo to equalize for Bolivia. Game on! #PANvBOL #MyCopaColors https://t.co/5eIbkVn9QE
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 7, 2016
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After a relatively even second half it looked like the match would end a draw, but it was Blas Perez again who scored a late winner for Panama. Abdiel Arroyo outmuscled his defender and slotted a pass across to Perez, who had a wide open goal in front of him.
Blas Perez taps into an empty net to make it 2-1, Panama late on. Will that be the winner? #PANvBOL #MyCopaColors https://t.co/z3vg2fwXDc
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 7, 2016
Panama temporarily sit atop Group D with three points. Argentina and Chile play later Monday night.
