DHAKA: Peru coach Ricardo Gareca was forced to defend Guerrero's goalscoring record pre-match, with the striker goalless in all three group games in Chile, leaving him with just two international goals since 2012.

Guerrero, however, proved his worth with his second Copa America hat-trick as Peru earned back-to-back semi-final appearances, having reached the final four in Argentina in 2011, and a showdown with Jorge Sampaoli's impressive side.

Marcelo Martins Moreno pulled one back from the penalty spot late on but the result was already beyond doubt thanks to Guerrero’s heroics.

The Flamengo striker, who claimed a three-goal haul against Venezuela four years ago, scored two in three first-half minutes to put the game beyond Mauricio Soria's men after just 23 minutes.

He completed his hat-trick and a memorable performance with 16 minutes remaining as he moved second on Peru's all-time goalscoring charts with 24, alongside Teodoro Fernandez.

Peru will now face the hosts Chile at the Estadio Nacional in Santiago on Monday (June 29).

BDST: 0958 HRS, JUN 26, 2015
SR