Bolivia 1-3 Peru: Paolo Guerrero hits hat-trick to set up Copa America semi-final with Chile

Paolo Guerrero scored a hat-trick as Peru eased into the Copa America semi-finals with a 3-1 win over Bolivia.

Guerrero, who had been the tournament's top scorer four years ago but was yet to find the target in Chile, scored twice in three first-half minutes, before strolling clear on 74 to seal the match ball, as well as his side's progress.  

Marcelo Martins Moreno - once of Wigan - converted a late penalty but the scoreline belied Peru's dominance, Jefferson Farfan twice hitting the goalframe and spurning a string of other chances in what was billed a battle of the underdogs.

Bolivia - the lowest-ranked side in the competition - have now won just one in 20 Copa America games but Peru, who upset the odds to finish second in Group C ahead of Colombia, head on to Santiago, the hosts in wait on Monday.

Peru had attacked from the off, Bolivia's threat restricted to set pieces, and former Chelsea forward Claudio Pizarro served warning with a fierce early strike, before hooking over the crossbar.

But pressure soon told, Guerrero timing his jump to convert a Juan Manuel Vargas cross with 20 minutes gone in a breakthrough that inspired him.

Three minutes later the Flamengo striker made it 2-0, Christian Cueva's lofted ball dropping perfectly as Romel Quinonez dithered, and Peru were in command.

Moreno went close with a flicked header but when the break came, Schalke winger Farfan had already prodded into a post and clipped the crossbar with a fine free-kick.

Bolivia might have had a penalty when Pedro Gallese sent Ricardo Pedriel tumbling in the box but by the time the referee did point to the spot, Guerrero had put the game further beyond doubt, punishing a Danny Bejarano backpass with a firm finish into the corner.

A clumsy Yorda Reyna challenge brought consolation from the spot (84) as time ticked away and tempers flared but Peru's job had long been done.

"We're getting better and better," said Guerrero, who is closing in on Teofilo Cubillas' all-time scoring record for Peru after netting his 24th international goal.

"Not many people had much confidence in us before this tournament but once again we're showing that we're a good side."