Argentina Edges Past Peru in a High-Stakes Showdown
It was a tense night for both teams as Argentina squeezed out a 1-0 victory against Peru in the Copa América Femenina match on July 21, 2025. One goal separated the sides, but the game was far from straightforward. Peru came out determined, ready to shake off the disappointment of their previous 3-1 defeat to tournament hosts Ecuador. Right from the start, they pressed high, looking for any opening in Argentina’s defense.
Peru's early chances weren’t half-hearted. They fired a series of long-range shots, hoping to catch Argentina’s keeper off-guard. Their wingers whipped in dangerous crosses, forcing Argentina’s defenders into quick clearances. At one point, it looked like Peru might break through, especially when Nunes darted to the near post and nearly got her foot on a low cross. But time and again, something was missing—whether it was the final touch or a defender’s timely block. Argentina’s back line, organized and composed, snuffed out the threat. They closed down shooting angles and stayed resilient under pressure, frustrating their opponents as the minutes ticked by.
A Single Mistake, a Big Payoff
The game’s turning point came almost out of nowhere. Midway through the first half, Scarlet Flores of Peru misjudged a challenge, earning herself a foul in a dangerous spot near her own box. You could feel the tension as Argentina lined up for the free-kick. The ball flew over the wall and thundered off the crossbar—a collective gasp followed the rebound, only for Argentina to react quickest and finally find the net. That single, scrappy moment was all they needed to secure the lead.
Despite falling behind, Peru didn’t fold. They kept running, kept attacking, but the final product just wasn’t there. Nunes forced a sharp save at the near post, and Peru’s midfield kept trying hopeful shots from outside the box. Pressure mounted late in the game, but patience and clinical finishing continued to elude them. For Argentina, it was all about holding strong and waiting for their chance to strike back on the counter—if it came. With every minute, their defense grew more confident, bending but never breaking.
By the final whistle, Argentina had done enough. Their win meant three priceless points and a boost for their tournament hopes. For Peru, this second defeat in a row highlighted their scoring problems, especially just a few days after coming up short against Ecuador. Still, their fighting spirit and attacking intent didn’t go unnoticed. It just wasn’t their night in front of goal, and Argentina’s defense, once again, proved to be the difference-maker in a tournament where every chance, and every slip, counts so much.