Claudio Pizarro strike earns Peru win over Venezuela in Copa America

Claudio Pizarro's 72nd-minute goal helped Peru to a 1-0 win over Venezuela to throw Copa America Group C wide open.

The result means all four teams in the group - Brazil and Colombia make up the group - have three points ahead of Sunday's final round of fixtures.

PIzarro's powerful finish was just reward for Peru, who dominated much of the game after Venezuela had Fernando Amorebieta sent off just before the half-hour mark. 

Salomon Rondon had earlier gone close for Venezuela, but his shot from eight yards was well held by Pedro Gallese, before Amorebieta saw red for a stamp on Paolo Guerrero.

Peru's best chance of the first half came five minutes before half-time - striker Guerrero dragging his effort wide - but as the game opened up after the break, so the chances began to flow.

After Guerrero had headed over, Christian Cueva drilled a shot wide, then Juan Vargas was off target with two left-foot efforts from distance.

Alejandro Guerra then wasted a chance on the counter for Venezuela after 60 minutes before Peru made the breakthrough - Pizarro pouncing when Tomas Rincon's attempted clearance fell to the striker.

La Vinotinto must now avoid defeat against Brazil if they are to have any chance of reaching the last eight, with Peru facing Colombia in Temuco in Sunday's other Group C match.