Benito Archundia matches

Venezuela defeated Perú 2-0, and now they are leading Group A. Mexican Armando Archundia helped the "Vinotinto", denying the Peruvians an obvious penalty.

No problems at first
At first, there wasn't any problem for Archundia. He was well located and could control the game just talking with the players, no childish whistling. In the first quarter of an hour, the referee invalidated, correctly, a goal scored by the "Vinotinto", because it resulted from a clear off-side.

1st red
In the 15th minute, Peru's Pedro Garcia clearly hit Maldonado´s face with his elbow, intentionally. Archundia was near the action, he saw what happened and he showed García a direct red. The referee was perfect here. It was the first red card in the Copa America 2007.

Biased
Unfortunately, later Archundia began to whistle for petty things that often favored Venezuela. In the 2nd half, when the match was at 1-0, there was a situation where Rey fouled Pizarro, who was through on goal and about to score. It was a clear penalty, no doubt. And Archundia saw it because he was right on top of it. This time though, the Mexican wasn't brave enough to concede a penalty against the host.

2nd red
In the 85th minute Ricardo Paez, son of Venezuela Coach Richard Paez, kicked the ball after Archundia had whistled. He got his 2nd booking and so: a red card. This was OK, I suppose. These are the rules. Archundia booked well but in some way, he tended to favor Venezuela.