SEATTLE — Peru needed a player to come up with that final bit of quality in order to break down Haiti’s organized defense, and the South American nation’s captain delivered with a historic goal.

Paolo Guerrero scored off a gorgeous diving header and Peru started its Copa America Centenario campaign with a 1-0 victory over Haiti on Saturday. Guerrero’s 61st-minute strike at CenturyLink Field not only gave Peru three points in Group B, but also made him Peru’s all-time leading scorer with 27 goals while giving him 10 in Copa America play.

Guerrero was at the forefront of much of Peru’s best chances. He had a glorious chance to put Peru up in the 38th minute, but smacked a Christian Cueva cross wide of the frame. The 32-year-old forward then had a nice layoff just before halftime to Edison Flores, who proceeded to sting a low shot off the near post.

The Peruvians, who had the better of the game’s chances, nearly came close to scoring in the 59th minute when Renzo Revoredo took a shot from close range. Haiti goalkeeper Johny Placide came up with a big stop, however.

The breakthrough finally came two minutes later for Ricardo Gareca’s men. Flores found space on the left flank and whipped in a gorgeous cross that allowed Guerrero to peel away from his defender and nod home the winner.

MAN OF THE MATCH

Involved in most of Peru’s best chances on the day, captain Paolo Guerrero did plenty of work leading his side’s attack. He nearly had an assist in the first half, and scored a beauty of a goal just after the hour-mark to push Peru past Haiti.

MOMENT OF THE MATCH

The game’s decisive play came in the 61st minute thanks to the head of Guerrero, who broke away from his defender to get on the end of a cross and hit a record-breaking, diving header. Peru was able to focus more on the defensive side from there in an effort to close out the game, and also had more space in the attack since Haiti was forced to open up.

MATCH TO FORGET

The Haitians had a golden chance to pull level in second-half stoppage time, but Kervens Belfort saw his effort on a late set-piece go wide of the goal. Belfort could have been the hero for Haiti had he scored that and rescued a point for the Group B underdog, but now he and his team face an uphill battle in their next two games.