The result confirmed Peru as the group winners after two wins and one draw, leaving them with a quarter-final tie against Group A runners-up Colombia.
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In fairness, while Brazil’s performance was largely underwhelming, the defeat did come about in extremely controversial circumstances – Raul Ruidiaz quite clearly bundling the only goal of the game over the line with his hand/arm/thing in the 79th minute. During a almost four-minute pause after the score, Uruguayan referee Andres Cunha appeared to be discussing the decision, though no allowance had been made for replays to factor in officiating decisions.
The Peru worldwide bundled in a cross with his hand, with replays confirming Brazil’s protests.
Seemingly as soon as the ball hit the back of the net, Brazil’s goalie and other players ran to the official, calling for a hand-ball.
“I do not quite understand who or what the referee was consulting”, Dunga said, adding that he had watched replays of the incident on screens in the Gillette Stadium.
He had another good opportunity in the 41st minute, the last of Brazil’s three first-half shots on goal. In 43 matches since 1936, Brazil has defeated Peru 30 times and lost just four times, with Sunday’s loss the first since 1985. Ecuador, as runners-up in the group, will play the United States.
The former Brazilian World Cupper captain although was nonchalant when asked whether he could lose coach’s job after the disaster.
See all the goals and highlights from the game.
That means Brazil and Peru will know just what is required in order to make sure of progress to the quarter-finals – with a draw potentially enough for each team depending on goal difference.
“The players and I can not change what everyone saw”, said Brazil coach Dunga. “When you work for the Brazilian team, you know very well that the criticism will intensify when results do not come”.
Brazil controlled possession in the first half, but failed to break through.
One of the favorites in the ongoing Copa America centenary in USA, Brazil crashed out the tournament on Sunday night, being drubbed by Peru after 31 years. The U.S. finished the Copa America in fourth place in 1995, its best ever finish.
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Brazil coach Dunga was left fuming following his side’s controversial loss to Peru which sealed the Selecao’s exit from this year’s Copa America Centenario.
