Copa America Centenario

Copa America QF: Carlos Sanchez says Colombia must stay focused for Peru challenge

[caption id="attachment_16455" align="alignnone" width="580"]Colombia training ahead of Peru tie. Twitter Colombia training ahead of Peru tie. Twitter[/caption]

Internet Desk: Colombia midfielder Carlos Sanchez has said his side must stay focused to end a 12-year wait for a place in the Copa America semifinals.

The Aston Villa player and his colleagues are aiming for a spot in the last four for the first time since 2004.

Colombia beat the USA and Paraguay before losing to Costa Rica on Sunday to finish second in Group A.

They face Peru in New Jersey on Saturday and Sanchez told a news conference: "Our physical aspect is fundamental, but a lot of games are usually won by the mental aspect.

"I think the team that prepares better mentally for this game will make the difference. In today's age, everything is a lot more equal and the games are won by little things.

"While we will try to get the best out of ourselves physically, games are hotly contested and you have to work more on the mental aspect."

Peru are looking to qualify for a third straight Copa America semifinal, having made it out of every group stage since 1997.

Ricardo Gareca's side controversially beat Brazil 1-0 with Raul Ruidiaz's handball goal to win Group B and eliminate the eight-time champions.

Peru also drew with Ecuador and beat Haiti, and Feyenoord midfielder Renato Tapia said: "Now we must fully focus on Colombia.

"They are a strong team. We've played them in the past, and we must be wary of what they are capable of."

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