A 72nd-minute goal by veteran striker Claudio Pizarro gave Peru a 1-0 victory over 10-man Venezuela on Thursday, leaving the four teams of Group C in the Copa America exactly even going into the last games of the round-robin stage.
The Bayern Munich forward scored on a left-footed shot that was tipped by Venezuela goalkeeper Alain Baroja but still went in off the crossbar.
"It was an important goal to be able to think about advancing," Pizarro said. "That's why I'm excited. Besides, scoring a goal for the national team is important."
Venezuela, which upset Colombia in its opening match, was in command until defender Fernando Amorebieta was sent off on a straight red card in the 29th for stomping on the leg of Paolo Guerrero.
All four teams in Group C — Brazil, Peru, Venezuela and Colombia — are level on points and goal difference. On Sunday in the final Group C matches, Colombia plays Peru and Brazil faces Venezuela.
Venezuela controlled the early play as Peru had trouble getting out of its own end. Venezuela's Salomon Rondon was through on goal in the 7th but shot directly at goalkeeper Pedro Gallese.
The sending off of Amorebieta by referee Raul Orosco changed the complexion. There is no doubt Amorebieta stomped on Guerrero, but it was not clear it was intentional.