Copa America 2015
Quarterfinal 2 (June 25, 2015)
Estadio Nacioanal Julio Martinez Pradanos, Santiago de
Chile edged past an unwavering Peru side 2-1 to qualify for the final of Copa America first time since 1987. Napoli striker Eduardo Vargas scored a brace to confirm his team’s berth in the final of the tournament. Vargas scored the opening goal of the game at the stroke of half time in the 42nd minute. At the hour mark, the equaliser was netted via an own goal scored by Chilean defender Gary Medel. Thanks to a superb finish by Vargas within 4 minutes, Chile restored the lead. Chile will face the winner of the second semi-final between Argentina and Paraguay.
Arturo Vidal was involved in a face-off as soon as the game started. Peru’s Carlos Zambrano was pushed by Vidal in front of the referee but somehow did not get punished for the act. Chile were lucky enough that Vidal was not sent off for his rude act. Zambrano on the hand got a double booking in the first half itself and was sent off leaving the away side down to 10 men.
In the 42nd minute, Alexis Sanchez floated a cross inside the penalty box which was tapped in by Eduardo Vargas. It was an easy goal and Chile got their much-needed lead at the stroke of half time.
Eduardo Vargas’ 1st Goal to give Chile a 1-0 lead:
In the second half, Chile got yet another opportunity to double their lead as David Pizarro’s cross was brilliantly volleyed in by Vargas which went inside the net. Unfortunately, the linesman signaled offside. Peru were looking dangerous as the game progressed and they were attacking in numbers imposing a constant threat of Claudio Bravo. From one such move, Luis Advincula ran down the right flank and chipped in a cross inside the penalty box. The low cross took a deflection of Gary Medel’s foot and went inside the goal. Peru looked hopeful after the equalising goal, but their happiness was short-lived as the Napoli forward scored an eye-catching winning goal to confirm Chile’s victory over rivals Peru.
Gary Medel own goal gave visitors Peru a hope. Scoreline 1-1:
|
Chile |
Peru |
|
1 Claudio Bravo |
1 Pedro Gallese |
|
4 Mauricio Isla |
17 Luis Advincula |
|
13 Joao Rojas |
5 Carlos Zambrano |
|
17 Gary Medel |
22 Carlos Ascues |
|
3 Miiko Albornoz |
6 Juan Vargas |
|
8 Arturo Vidal |
21 Josepmir Ballon |
|
20 Charles Aranguiz |
16 Carlos Lobaton |
|
21 Marcelo Diaz |
8 Christian Cueva |
|
10 Jorge Valdivia |
10 Jefferson Farfan |
|
7 Alexis Sanchez |
18 Andre Carrillo |
|
11 Eduardo Vargas |
9 Paolo Guerrero |
|
Substitution |
Substitution |
|
2 Eugenio Mena |
19 Yoshimar Yotun |
|
19 Felipe Gutierrez |
15 Christian Ramos |
|
16 David Pizarro |
14 Claudio Pizarro |
Vargas’ winner as Chile seal the game 2-1:
Next Match: Argentina vs Paraguay (30th June 2015)