Chile chase first Copa America title
BY PAUL BURROWES
One of the top 20 teams in the world, hosts Chile have reached the final of the Copa America, beating 10-man Peru 2-1.
It was their first final since 1987 and fifth all told, having never won the competition.
Striker Eduardo Vargas scored both goals, the winner coming from a long-range shot in the 64th minute three minutes after Peru equalised with an own goal by defender Gary Medel. Vargas opened the scoring in the 42nd minute.
Chile struggled early against their regional rival, but the momentum shifted after Peru defender Carlos Zambrano was sent off for hitting Chilean midfielder Charles Aranguiz on the back during a challenge only 20 minutes into the match.
Argentina, led by Lionel Messi, meet Paraguay in the other semi-final match today. The final is on Saturday.
Peru were trying to win their third Copa America and first since 1975. The team also lost in the semi-finals in 2011 to eventual champions Uruguay and finished third. Peru had been the surprise of the tournament so far after advancing from a group that included Brazil and Colombia, both of which have already been eliminated.
In their last Copa America final in 1987, Chile lost 1-0 to Uruguay.
Arturo Vidal, Jorge Valdivia, and Charles Aránguiz have featured for the Chileans in the Copa America so far, with Vargas now their leading marksman on four goals.
Valdivia has so far provided three assists.
Chile have led the competition in possession, 70.7 per cent and pass success, 86.9 per cent, and are expected to take on Argentina in the final.
While they have predominantly made their attacks on the right side (43 per cent), Chile have score most of their goals from open play (nine) and another two from penalties.
Chile have been the fifth best team in the history of the Copa America, after Argentina, Uruguay, Brazil, and Paraguay. Peru are in sixth.
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