Vargas lifts Peru into semis

Peru had a hero in Juan Vargas and Colombia had a villain in Radamel Falcao on Saturday as Italy-based Vargas scored while Porto's Falcao missed a penalty to send the Peruvians into the Copa America semifinals.

"Falcao never misses a penalty - not even in training," said Colombia's incredulous coach Hernan Dario Gomez as he pondered his well-regarded side's exit from the tournament after Carlos Lobaton and Vargas bagged extra-time goals to give Peru their first semifinal berth in 14 years.

"We made tons of chances, but we missed them," said Gomez as his men prepared to head for home despite having beaten hosts Argentina to top spot in the group.