Copa hosts let off the hook

Substitute Roberto Palacios scored four minutes from time to rescue a point for Peru in their opening Copa America Group A match against Bolivia in Lima.

The hosts came back from two goals down to snatch a 2-2 draw against the unfancied Bolivians.

Joaquin Botero put Bolivia ahead in the first half with a superb shot and Lorgio Alvarez doubled the advantage soon after the break after robbing keeper Oscar Ibanez.

But Claudio Pizzaro reduced Bolivia’s lead from the penalty spot in the 67th minute and then super sub Palacios saved the hosts’ blushes in the 86th minute.

Tressor Moreno’s 22nd-minute penalty enabled Colombia to scrape a 1-0 victory over Venezuela in the opening match of the tournament.

Moreno converted the spot-kick after Venezuela keeper Gilberto Angelucci had been harshly adjudged of bringing the striker down.

The defending champions held on for a lucky victory after Venezuela striker Ruberth Moran had a goal controversially disallowed for offside early in the second half.

Manchester United midfielder Kleberson has suffered a muscle injury to his left leg and will miss Brazil’s first game against Chile on Thursday night.