The Peruvian team faced its Canadian counterpart in a duel valid for the second day of group A of the Copa America 2024. From the beginning, the Americans took possession of the ball and offered the game with a long possession. For its part, the 'two-tone' They tried to take advantage of the mistakes in the center of the field with separate attacks that did not cause much danger in the opponent's area. But beyond the opportunities generated, what caused concern was the fainting of the linesman, Humberto Panjoj, due to the infernal heat of Kansas City, in the United States.

It happened 49 minutes into the first half. Just as the game had been extended due to stoppages. The North American team had the ball and was trying to break the deadlock shortly after the break. Moses Bombito played from defense with Alistair Johnston. The right back aligned and unloaded with Ismael Kone.

Watford midfielder given infringement Wild Cartagena three-quarters of the Peruvian pitch, and referee Mario Escobar took a free kick for the 'reds'. Between Alphonso Davies and Stephen Eustaquio, they stood in front of the ball, although it was the Bayern Munich player who took the shot that went beyond the area. 'inca'.

Suddenly, the broadcast camera focused on Mario Escobar's second assistant, Humberto Panjoj, who was unconscious and helped by Canadian goalkeeper Maxime Crépeau, who urgently requested medical attention. And the high temperatures in Kansas City, which reached 34 degrees, but with a wind chill of 39 degrees, took their toll on the referee who was in the area where he received direct sunlight.

The medical staff authorized by the organization ran quickly to treat the linesman and get him back on his feet. The 22 footballers present on the field were surprised, but at the same time, they went to hydrate themselves and talk with their respective coaches to receive some instructions.

After being helped by paramedics, he had to be evacuated with assistance while receiving applause from the fans who were in the stands and celebrating his recovery. On paper, the one who should have taken his place was the Ecuadorian Augusto Aragón or, failing that, Ricardo Barén, who served as fourth and fifth referees respectively.

At the press conference before Peru vs Canada, Jorge Fossati had warned of the extreme heat that was going to occur at Children's Mercy Park and assured that the high temperatures would affect both teams, but that “we don't have the solution, we can't put an awning or a fan over the players' heads. What we can do is, from the inside of our heads, we prepare to overcome the difficulties.

And as if that were not enough, the coach changed the training schedule last Sunday, June 23: it was scheduled for 5:00 p.m., but the heat reached 40 degrees, so it had to be postponed to 7:00 p.m.

THE Peruvian team will play again on Saturday, June 29, for date 3 of Group A of the Copa América 2024. This time, their rival will be Argentina at the Hard Rock Stadium, located in the city of Miami, United States.

A duel that would define the chances of the national team in the continental tournament in search of a place in the quarter-finals.