Peru, Bolivia optimistic of reaching Copa America semis

The two surprise successes at the Copa America tournament, Peru and Bolivia, talked up their chances of clinching a semi-final berth at the South American soccer tournament at a news conference in the Chilean city of Temuco on Wednesday.

The soccer teams have made it to the second round of the competition with the likes of superstar sides Brazil and Argentina.

Peru survived through a challenging Group C with Brazil, Colombia and Venezuela to reach the quarter-final. The Incas had set their goal as reaching the final eight and a win over Bolivia would be a bonus.

Peru’s coach, Ricardo Gareca, told media that his side is focused on victory.

“We’re very motivated, the team is very good. The guys are feeling good, everyone is very focused on what they’ve got to do to reach the final within a team that has done all it can to reach that level. I really want to talk about the possibility of reaching the final stage, we’ve prepared ourselves in the best possible way,” he said.

But Gareca has a tough task after its two central midfielders, Josemir Ballon and Carlos Lobaton, were yellow carded.

Peruvian midfielder, Juan Manuel Vargas, said the team is taking tomorrow’s match very seriously.

“We’re taking all the matches very seriously and I think that tomorrow it will still be difficult. We’re going to try to do what we can and face a national side that is always doing things well,” he said.

Bolivia, currently 89 in FIFA world rankings, is another surprise entry into the quarter-final following a troubled couple of years for its soccer side.

Last year, the team played three matches under three different coaches, inspiring little faith amongst commentators that the side would go this far in the tournament.

Bolivia survived their group stage with a goalless draw against Mexico, claimed victory over Ecuador and was thrashed 5-0 by hosts Chile.

Midfielder, Pablo Escobar, admitted he was surprised by his team’s success.

“We want to go step by step. To be here at this stage of the competition is a surprise. For us we still want to take more steps forward and to get this pass on Thursday (June 25) would be something very important,” said Escobar.

It’s been nearly 20 years since Bolivia’s best showing at the Copa America when it reached the semi final.

Forward Marcelo Martins told media the national side has improved considerably.

“The side is surprised to have made it to the next phase, to be displaying a level (of soccer) that is more advanced and it’s normal that this is how the Bolivian team is spoken of because there has been an incredible improvement,” he added.

The quarter-final match between Peru and Bolivia kicks off in Chile on Thursday.