The Copa America Centenario erupted into controversy after a refereeing blunder sent Brazil crashing to a 1-0 defeat against Peru — and out of the tournament.
The Copa America Centenario erupted into controversy after a refereeing blunder sent Brazil crashing to a 1-0 defeat against Peru — and out of the tournament.
The defeat left Brazil struggling to digest their worst performance in the Copa America since 1987, the last occasion the five-time world champions failed to make it past the group stage.
Brazil, needing only a draw to qualify for the quarter-finals as winners of Group B, looked to be on course for a place in the last eight with 15 minutes to go against Peru.
But a rare foray into Brazilian territory from Peru ended with Raul Ruidiaz bundling in Andy Polo’s cross from the byline, appearing to use his arm to score.
Ruidiaz wheeled away to celebrate and Uruguayan referee Andres Cunha signalled for the goal.
Brazil’s players protested furiously, swarming around Cunha in a bid to persuade the official to reverse his decision.
The protests appeared to have swayed Cunha, who looked to be frantically checking with the fourth official via his headpiece to determine whether the goal should stand.
Yet after a chaotic delay of around four minutes — with players from both sides surrounding the referee — Cunha ruled the goal should stand.
Multiple replays from different angles however showed that Ruidiaz had used his arm to knock the ball into the net past Brazil keeper Alisson.
Brazil pressed forward in the final closing minutes in an attempt to find an equaliser that would take them through but it was to no avail.
Elias squandered a golden chance from close range in injury time and Brazil’s fate was sealed.
Peru will now play Colombia in the quarter-finals after finishing top of Group B.
Despite the controversial nature of the result, Brazil coach Dunga is likely to come under renewed pressure after what was a lacklustre tournament.
The Brazilians, desperate to begin the road to recovery after their humiliating 7-1 defeat by Germany in the World Cup semi-finals two years ago, never convinced at any point of the group stage.
Ecuador beat Haiti 4-0, enter Quarters Enner Valencia scored and had two assists to help Ecuador beat Haiti 4-0 on Sunday night and advance to the Copa America quarterfinals for the first time since 1997. Ecuador (1-0-2), which locked up second in Group B play, will play Group A winner United States on Thursday in Seattle. Valencia fired in a low shot in the 11th minute, taking a long feed from Christian Noboa from the corner of the 6-yard box.
Results Peru 1 (R. Ruidiaz 75) bt Brazil 0. Ecuador 4 (E. Valencia 11, J. Ayovi 20, Noboa Ch. 57, A. Valencia 78) bt Haiti 0.
