Valparaíso (Chile), June 19 (IANS): Coach Ricardo Gareca believes that Peruvian football team's 1-0 win over 10-man Venezuela in Copa America was fully deserved.

Star forward Claudio Pizarro scored the only goal of the match in the 72nd minute taking advantage of their numerical superiority, following Fernando Amorebieta's 29th-minute red card.

"We had the advantage in terms of ball possession but not in the situations. In a tough game, we won deservedly. It's always important to win. We had to win the match and we won. We knew it would be very evenly contested," Gareca was quoted as saying by goal.com.

"Venezuela are intense and it was hard. In the beginning they had the initiative but when they were left with 10 players, we learned to use our numerical advantage. The dressing room morale is good. We know we have not achieved anything yet but a win always adds confidence."

Pizarro's strike has blown Group C wide open with Peru, Venezuela, Brazil and Colombia all level on three points and vying for a spot in the quarterfinals, heading into the final round of group stages.

Peru lock horns against Colombia in their final group match on Sunday.