Peru produced a fantastic comeback from two goals down to draw 2-2 with Ecuador in Group B of the 2021 Copa America in Brazil.
Gianluca Lapadula inspired Peru to a second-half comeback as they fought back from a two-goal halftime deficit to come away with a crucial point against Ecuador in the Copa America on Wednesday.
Both teams can still qualify for the quarterfinals of the tournament. Ecuador have two points from three games while Peru have four.
Both teams have just one game left to play at the 2021 CONMEBOL Copa America.
Ecuador are one of only two teams never to have won the Copa America. They started the match beautifully to lead Peru 2-0 at half-time.
Renato Tapia ended up scoring an own goal from Pervis Estupinan’s cross midway through the first half and then Ayrton Preciado scored just before halftime to put the Ecuadorians in a comfortable spot.
Preciado got on the end of a Damian Diaz freekick and put the ball past a helpless Pedro Gallese.
Lapadula, the Italian-Peruvian who represented Italy before choosing the country of his mother’s birth, proved to be the difference-maker as a spirited Peru fought back.
He opened his international account just four minutes after the break when he connected on a pass from Christian Cueva to fire home.
Five minutes later, Lapadula turned creator when he ran on to a superb pass from Sergio Pena and fed Andre Carrillo for the equaliser.
Peru now play Venezuela and Ecuador face group leaders Brazil in the final round of fixtures. Brazil are not only the defending champions of the Copa America but also the host nation so Ecuador have their work cut out.
