Chile Advances To Copa America Finals After Sending Peru Home

Eduardo Vargas propelled host nation Chile into the finals of Copa America after a 2-1 victory against a surprisingly tough Peru in Santiago.

Chile have never won the Copa in 99 years but will now have the chance to make history when they face either Argentina or Paraguay in Saturday’s match. The host team, who will go the finals of this year’s Copa for the first time in 28 years, looked strongly as the team to beat despite the three game suspension of key defender Gonzalo Jara after attempting to push his finger into Uruguayan Edinson Cavani’s backside in their quarterfinal matchup.

Vargas opened the scoring in the 42nd minute mark when the SSC Napoli forward stroked the ball from three yards after Alexis Sanchez’s cross came back off the post. Chile’s lead vanished after Peru’s Gary Medel drew an equaliser to keep the game close, but the Peruvians chance of winning only lasted 4 minutes after Vargas kicked a stunning goal from 25 yards out that passed through Peru’s goalkeeper Pedro Gallese. Head coach Ricardo Gareca’s squad was furious before half-time when replays suggested that Vargas was marginally offside when he netted the first goal.

Chile took advantage of Peruvian striker Carlo Zambrano’s dismissal after getting a straight red card in an exaggerated follow-through stud that touched a small part of Chile’s Charles Aranguiz’s back who then collapsed on the floor. The Eintracht Frankfurt defender’s sending off gave way for Chile to easily maneuver in the field, which eventually created opportunities for Vargas and his team. However, Chile had never looked relaxed despite playing against a 10-man Peru team, who almost got the chance to force a stalemate when substitute Claudio Pizarro nearly scored against Chilean goalkeeper Claudio Bravo in the final 15 minutes with a near-post header.

Juventus midfielder Arturo Vidal luckily escaped punishment when he foolishly pushed a hand into the face of Zambrano after the latter shielded the ball out of play with Vidal snapping at his heels. Zambrano only needed three minutes to be sent off after getting a yellow card following a tangle with Alexis Sanchez.