Paolo Guerrero scored in his fourth Copa America tournament to lift Peru to a 1-0 win over Haiti in the Group B opener on Saturday in Seattle.
The win lifts Peru top of the group before Brazil and Ecuador play later Saturday. Haiti worked tirelessly and even carried the play for moments, with Kervens Belfort flashing a late header wide of the net.
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Haiti had a brilliant opportunity with a 30th minute free kick just outside the 18 after Peru’s Alberto Rodriguez handled the ball, but Mechack Jérôme swept his free kick over the wall and the cross bar.
Guerrero went a little fancy with a 39th minute volley for Peru in the side’s best chance since a strong opening quarter-hour.
Guerrero, the leading scorer at each of the last two Copa Americas, set up a gorgeous chance for Edison Flores that rattled the near post from 10-12 yards away.
Fittingly, Guerrero picked up the match’s lone goal.
Paolo Guerrero opens the scoring for Peru against Haiti with a wonderful diving header. #HAIvPER #MyCopaColors https://t.co/gSMfBB4heA
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 5, 2016