Copa America: Aston Villa’s Carlos Sanchez says Colombia are not playing mind games with Peru

Copa America quarter-finals (all games on beIN Sports)

• USA v Ecuador, Friday, 5.30am

• Peru v Colombia, Saturday, 4am

• Argentina v Venezuela, Sunday, 3am

• Mexico v Chile, Sunday, 6am

Colombia midfielder Carlos Sanchez has warned they must stay focused to end a 12-year Copa America semi-final wait.

The Aston Villa man has placed the importance on Colombia’s mental state as they aim for 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 has told his teammates to remain mentally strong to end their drought.

See also:

• Poll: Argentina? Mexico? Who left are Copa America favourites?

• Reports: Argentina still too strong without Lionel Messi, Alexis Sanchez stars for Chile

• Osman Samiuddin: Dunga sacked (again) and Brazil national team haunted by ghosts of glorious past

“Our physical aspect is fundamental, but a lot of games are usually won by the mental aspect,” Sanchez, 30, told a news conference.

“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 us physically, games are hotly contested and you have to work more on what is the mental aspect.

“Peru have demonstrated an important power, and it is a team that is always getting better.”

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

Ricardo Gareca’s side controversially beat Brazil 1-0 – after Raul Ruidiaz’s handball goal – to win Group B and eliminate the eight-time champions. It was their first victory over Brazil in 31 years and ended Dunga’s reign as manager.

Peru also drew with Ecuador and beat Haiti but Feyenoord midfielder Renato Tapia insisted the knock-out stages are totally different.

The 20 year old told a news conference: “We are strong, and united. The win (over Brazil) has helped us, but we must now turn the page.

“To win is always nice and it motivates you to go phase by phase, but 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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