[Videos] Finale American Cup (Chili 2015) / Chile 0-0 Argentina (4-1 on penalties)

Click Here to Read Article

Read More

Chile 0-0 Argentina (4-1 on penalties) ,Hosts win first Copa America

After 120 minutes without a goal in the Copa America and it was the tournament hosts who emerged triumphant through a penalty shootout

Chile finally won their first major trophy to spark jubilant scenes in Santiago as Argentina were beaten 4-1 on penalties in the Copa America final on Saturday.

Gonzalo Higuain and Ever Banega missed from the spot in a shootout at Estadio Nacional Julio Martinez Pradanos following a drab goalless encounter, as Argentina endured more heartbreak almost a year after losing the World Cup final against Germany.

Higuain blasted high over the crossbar and fellow substitute Banega's tame effort was saved by Claudio Bravo, so Alexis Sanchez had the chance to end Chile's long wait for a Copa title and the Arsenal forward did so in style with a cheeky effort.

Four-time runners-up Chile celebrated in style as Argentina were left to reflect on what might have been once again, as their 22-year wait for a major trophy goes on.

Argentina have now lost two of the last three Copa finals and Lionel Messi - the only Argentina player to score in the shootout - is still to lift a major trophy at international level.

A capacity crowd generated a tremendous atmosphere and Chile, coached by an Argentine in Jorge Sampaoli, appeared to be inspired as they made an encouraging start.

Eduardo Vargas' long-range strike flashed narrowly wide before Sergio Romero got down to his left to keep out Arturo Vidal's volley following a swift Chile break.

Chile goalkeeper Bravo was then called into action to keep out Sergio Aguero's close-range header after the striker had got on the end of Messi's dangerous free-kick.

The game was being played at a frantic pace and Vargas should have done better when he raced onto a ball over the top of the Argentina defence, but blasted high over the crossbar.

The Albiceleste suffered a blow when Angel Di María pulled up with what appeared to be a hamstring injury just before the half-hour mark, with Ezequiel Lavezzi replacing the Manchester United winger - who missed the World Cup final due to a thigh problem.

Lavezzi had a great chance to make an impact when Aguero cut the ball back into his path just before half-time, but the Paris-Saint Germain forward shot straight at Bravo.

Both sides were lacking quality in the final third, but Sanchez almost conjured up a moment of magic to win it when he showed great technique to volley just wide of the far post seven minutes from time.

Argentina had one final chance to snatch victory in normal time when Lavezzi's cross had a little too much on it and Higuain could only fire into the side-netting at full stretch beyond the back post two minutes into time added on.

Sanchez had the only opportunity in the first half of extra time when he raced away following a mistake from Javier Mascherano, but shot just over the crossbar under pressure from the covering Pablo Zabaleta.

Lavezzi appealed for a penalty when he went down under a challenge from Francisco Silva with five minutes remaining, but referee Wilmar Roldan saw nothing untoward and it came as no surprise that the game would be settled by a shootout. 

It was advantage Chile when Higuain fired Argentina's second spot-kick high over the bar, then Banega's poor effort was kept out by Bravo to allow Sanchez to win it.

Read More

Peru 2-0 Paraguay ,Carrillo & Guerrero seal third place for Gareca's men

Los Incas struck twice after half-time to seal a third-place Copa America finish for the second consecutive edition of the tournament

Peru ended their 2015 Copa America campaign on a high, overcoming Paraguay 2-0 in the third-place match in Concepcion on Friday.

Andre Carrillo and Paolo Guerrero were the heroes for Peru, who also finished third four years ago, with their second-half goals proving the difference at Estadio Municipal Alcaldesa Ester Roa Rebolledo.

After their semi-final exit to hosts Chile and dour opening half, Carrillo volleyed beyond Justo Villar in the 48th minute.

And Guerrero netted late on as Peru claimed consecutive third-place finishes at the premier South American tournament.

There were changes to both teams, with Peru pair Christian Ramos and Yordy Reyna starting in place of Jefferson Farfan, who did not pass a late fitness test, and Carlos Zambrano (suspended) after the 2-1 defeat to Chile.

Paraguay counted the cost of their 6-1 drubbing at the hands of Argentina, with Derlis Gonzalez (thigh), Roque Santa Cruz (hamstring), Bruno Valdez (thigh), Nelson Valdez (thigh), Edgar Benitez, Richard Ortiz and Ivan Piris dropping out for Lucas Barrios, Raul Bobadilla, Oscar Romero, Osvaldo Martinez, Nestor Ortigoza, Miguel Samudio and Marcos Caceres.

Chances were at a premium in the first half, with both teams failing to create anything clear-cut during the opening 45 minutes.

Reyna and Romero were limited to long-range efforts for Peru and Paraguay respectively as the half ended all-square.

The match came to life in the 48th minute, when Carrillo volleyed past Paraguay goalkeeper Villar from outside the area.

A corner kick deflected up in the air and Carrillo got his outstretched boot to the ball, leaving Villar with no chance.

It was the Sporting Lisbon forward's first international goal since August 2012.

Peru had Carlos Ascues to thank after the hour-mark, with his last-ditch challenge enough to deny Edgar Benitez and Paraguay an equaliser.

Benitez was picked out by Romero at the back post with the goal at his mercy in the 66th minute, but Ascues was on hand to deny the Paraguay striker a clear goalscoring opportunity as the ball hit the bottom of the post and rolled away to safety.

Victory was sealed for Peru in the 89th minute as Guerrero side-footed through Villar's legs after a cross from Joel Sanchez.

Read More

Argentina 6-1 Paraguay ,Argentina display title credentials to crush Paraguay in semi-final

La Albiceleste stormed into a two-goal lead and staved off a potential Albirroja comeback by mercilessly adding to their tally in the second half to book a place in the final

Argentina avoided a repeat of their group-stage capitulation against Paraguay by producing a stunning display that resulted in a 6-1 victory, setting up a date with hosts Chile in the Copa América final.

La Albiceleste got off to the perfect start, with Marcos Rojo sweeping a Lionel Messi free kick home from 12 yards with just over a quarter of an hour gone.

Javier Pastore then doubled Argentina’s lead in the 27th minute - Messi again supplying the assist - as he fired a low drive past Justo Villar from the top of the box.La Albirroja lost both Derlis González and Roque Santa Cruz to injury in the opening half an hour, but that paved the way for Argentina-born Lucas Barrios to enter the match and he halved the deficit with a powerful strike on the brink of half time.

However, Gerardo Martino’s men responded in superb fashion as Ángel Di María found the back of the net twice within eight minutes of the restart, putting Paraguay's hopes of a repeat of their first-phase comeback against his side to bed.

Ramón Díaz's crestfallen team had no response, and their misery was compounded when Sergio Agüero and Gonzalo Higuaín took Argentina's tally to six in the closing stages - moving them a step closer to ending a 22-year major trophy drought.

Taking on Martino's former team, La Albiceleste started well and built on that – but victory only looked safe after the pair of goals early in the second half.

Messi was at the heart of most of their attacking moves, assisting three goals and playing a huge part in two others.

In that form, the Barcelona superstar may yet lead Argentina to their first major title since the 1993 Copa América.

Martino's side were rewarded for their promising start with the opener 15 minutes in as Messi's set-piece from the left eventually fell to Rojo, who side-footed in a simple finish from close range.Argentina perhaps should have doubled their lead eight minutes later. Messi was at the centre of the attack again as he ran at the Paraguay defence before finding Pastore, who opted to take a touch before seeing his shot saved by Villar.

But the duo would combine successfully to make it 2-0 for Argentina in the 27th minute. The Albiceleste skipper picked out Pastore's well-angled run and the Paris Saint-Germain man found the bottom corner with a fine finish.

Paraguay coach Díaz was forced into two substitutions before the half-hour mark, and one of his introductions had the desired impact.

Bruno Valdez intercepted an Argentine clearance and headed into the path of Barrios, who buried his chance from the edge of the area.

Paraguay's hopes of another comeback – they have come from behind in three of their four games at the tournament – were dealt a huge blow early in the second half.

It was Pastore's time to turn provider as he slid Di María through and the Manchester United attacker finished clinically into the bottom corner.

Messi's run soon after led to a five-on-one situation that Argentina capitalised on when Di María put away a rebound following Pastore being denied.

And Martino's side added a fifth through an Agüero header with 10 minutes remaining before Higuaín completed the scoring moments later to see out a huge victory.

La Albiceleste will now face Chile in the showpiece event on July 4, while Paraguay will meet Peru in the third-place play-off in Concepción the day before.

Read More

Chile 2-1 Peru ,Vargas beauty sends hosts to Copa America final

The Napoli-owned striker bagged two on the night, both opening the scoring and netting a superb winning goal

Eduardo Vargas' stunning strike sent Chile into their first Copa America final since 1987, after a controversial red card to Peru's Carlos Zambrano gave the tournament hosts a big advantage.

Referee Jose Argote expelled Zambrano in the first half, leaving Peru to play 70 minutes with 10 players and, despite a brave performance from Ricardo Gareca's men, Chile eventually prevailed 2-1 in Santiago thanks to a brace from Vargas.

The Napoli striker opened the scoring in the 42nd minute in borderline comical circumstances, scuffing his initial shot before rolling the ball past Peru's prostrate goalkeeper Pedro Gallese.

There was nothing slapstick about Vargas' second goal, however, with the 25-year-old thumping the ball over Gallese into the top corner from outside the box in the 64th minute, putting the home side back in front soon after Gary Medel's own goal had drawn Peru level.

With reports Bolivian referee Raul Orozco was initially selected to take charge of Monday's game before being replaced due to historical animosity between Bolivia and both Peru and Chile, stand-in official Argote was always going to be in the spotlight.

And it took just three minutes for Argote to be involved in a moment of controversy, with the Venezuelan keeping his cards in his pocket after a clash between Zambrano and Arturo Vidal, with the latter particularly lucky to escape sanction after he pushed his opponent in the face.

Midway through the first half and Argote sent off Zambrano for what appeared to be an accidental high boot on Charles Aranguiz, and although Peru defended stoutly and produced a number of chances on the counter-attack, Gareca's side will feel hard done by.

Having progressed from their first Copa America semi-final since 1999, Chile are now one game away from a maiden title at South America's continental championships.

It could have been a very different match at the Estadio Nacional had Argote chosen to send off Vidal early, with the Juventus midfielder tangling with Zambrano as the latter looked to shepherd the ball out in the fourth minute.

Just two minutes later and Zambrano received a yellow card for a foul on Alexis Sanchez, before Peru's Jefferson Farfan struck the post with a header, and in the 20th minute, Argote left an indelible mark on the match.

Zambrano cleared the ball high into the air and Aranguiz appeared to back into the central defender as he tried to block, with the Chile midfielder making the most of contact as his opponent's studs struck his back.

Gareca withdrew Christian Cueva for centre-back Christian Ramos as Peru sat back, with Luis Advincula pulling off an incredible block to deny Vargas just after the half-hour mark.

Paolo Guerrero was doing well as the lone man up front for Peru and almost teed up Farfan seven minutes before the break. But soon after, Vargas broke the deadlock, tapping in after Alexis Sanchez's cross came off the post, although there was suspicion of offside.

Just after half-time and Chile were harshly dealt with by the offside flag, after Vargas expertly volleyed David Pizarro's chip into the net.

Peru remained a threat on the break with Farfan heading at Claudio Bravo, before a rapid attack down the right on the hour-mark saw Advincula whip in a cross and Medel's outstretched boot poked the ball into his own net.

Vargas would save Chile, however, as Peru were sent into the third-place play-off for the second straight Copa

Read More

Brazil 1-1 Paraguay (3-4 on pens) Selecao dumped out of Copa America

Brazil led through Robinho's first half strike, but Derlis Gonzalez levelled to take the game to penalties

Brazil have been dumped out of the Copa America quarter-finals 4-3 on penalties by Paraguay after a 1-1 draw took the game to a shoot-out.

Robinho put Brazil ahead after 15 minutes, but Derlis Gonzalez's penalty midway through the second half ensured normal time finished 1-1 and took the game to penalties.

Everton Ribeiro and Douglas Costa both missed from the spot as the Selecao suffered a repeat of their shoot-out loss to the same nation at the same stage four years ago.

Both sides deployed 4-2-2-2 formations from the outset, but Brazil settled into their rhythm the quickest.It took less than two minutes for Dunga's men to register a shot on target as Coutinho's effort from range forced goalkeeper Villar to tip the ball over his crossbar.

Edgar Benitez was proving to be a thorn in Brazil's side down Paraguay's left flank early on, but it was the Brazilians who took the lead in the 15th minute.

In the middle of the park, Elias - who had received the ball from Robinho - played a pass wide right for Dani Alves, whose probing cross eventually fell back to an unmarked Robinho, who had a straightforward tap-in.

Coutinho was giving Paraguay all sorts of problems on the left wing but he almost produced a magical moment just prior to the half-hour mark on the right byline.

With Bruno Valdez trying to shepherd the ball out for a goal-kick, Coutinho somehow kept it in and played a ball back across goal - only for the linesman to adjudge the ball had crossed the line.

Paraguay had their moments leading up to half-time, with Roque Santa Cruz trying his luck from range and a Benitez corner causing the Brazil defence problems.

Benitez continued to push Brazil on the left side, with Dani Alves yellow-carded for a foul on him five minutes after the interval.

Paraguay's push to get back into the match saw Paulo da Silva power a header at Brazil goalkeeper Jefferson, who parried it clear in the 62nd minute - but Diaz's men were level with 18 minutes to play via Gonzalez.

Both goalkeepers were called upon in the final stages - Gonzalez firing an acute-angle strike at Jefferson, before Coutinho's dipping shot made Villar work.

But neither could create a decisive second goal, as a shootout ensued - and Brazil suffered penalty heartbreak again, meaning Paraguay face Argentina in the semi-finals.

Read More

Argentina 0-0 Colombia (5-4 pens) Martino's men sneak through after spot-kick drama

Carlos Tevez netted the winning penalty to seal his side's place in the Copa America semi-finals after an astonishing shoot-out

New Boca Juniors signing Carlos Tevez struck the winning spot-kick as Argentina defeated Colombia 5-4 on penalties after a goalless 90 minutes to book their place in the Copa America semi-finals.

Tevez netted with Argentina's seventh penalty after Lucas Biglia and Marcos Rojo had both missed opportunities to claim victory from the spot in Friday's Vina del Mar quarter-final clash.

It was no less than Argentina deserved after they dominated throughout the 90 minutes, with only a massive display from Colombia goalkeeper David Ospina ensuring the contest required a shoot-out.

The Arsenal shot stopper's best moment was an amazing double save in the 26th minute when he denied Sergio Aguero with his foot before scrambling to palm Lionel Messi's follow-up header around the post, with both shots coming from inside the six-yard box.

Colombia coach Jose Pekerman had made four changes to the team that drew 0-0 with Peru in their final group encounter, with his decision to drop misfiring striker Radamel Falcao the standout.

Jackson Martinez was promoted to lead the line, while Victor Ibarbo, Alexander Mejia and Camilo Zuniga were also included as Pekerman switched from a 4-2-2-2 to a 4-1-3-2 formation.

That decision did not work, however, and Pekerman made a change midway through the first half with forward Teofilo Gutierrez sacrificed in favour of midfielder Edwin Cardona as Argentina ran riot, although it made little difference as Colombia finished the first half without a shot on goal.

As the second half wore on, Colombia began to gain a foothold in the contest but struggled to test Argentina keeper Sergio Romero, while Ospina kept a clean sheet at the other end.

Romero made just one save throughout the 90 minutes but was impressive in the shoot-out before Tevez - who was confirmed as a Boca Juniors player during the game - sent Argentina into the last four.

It took just five minutes for Ospina to register his first save, with the 26-year-old getting down low at his near post to parry Javier Pastore's toe-poke.

Argentina had decent arguments for a penalty when Aguero and Messi both went down in the box in the 20th minute, while the former headed over soon after.

Ospina was sharply off his line just before the break to deny Pastore, while he had to beat Angel di Maria to the ball outside his box early in the second half.

James Rodriguez wasted an opportunity to shoot in the 67th minute, before Martinez produced Colombia's only shot on target, heading straight at Romero from a corner.

Argentina hit the woodwork twice late in the game, with substitute Ever Banega clipping the crossbar before Ospina produced another stunning stop - palming Nicolas Otamendi's effort onto the post. The ball rebounded along the goal-line before being cleared.

Colombia breathed another sigh of relief in the 88th minute when Cristian Zapata almost put the ball past Ospina, only for Jeison Murillo to produce a sliding clearance.

Eventually penalties were required, with the first six spot-kicks all finding the net before Luis Muriel blasted over the bar with Colombia's fourth.

After Ezequiel Lavezzi scored off the post, Romero almost denied Cardona but the midfielder's penalty squeezed under him before Biglia missed a chance to seal victory, sending the shoot-out into sudden-death mode.

Amazingly, the next three penalty-takers then failed to score with Romero denying Zuniga before Rojo clipped the bar and Murillo matched Muriel's poor effort.

That left Tevez to calmly convert and decide the tie, with Argentina booking a last-four date against either Brazil or Paraguay.

Read More

Bolivia 1-3 Peru ,Guerrero hat-trick sets up Chile showdown

The Flamengo striker scored twice in three first-half minutes to put his side within touching distance of the semi-finals early on, before completing his haul in the second half

Paolo Guerrero silenced his critics with a hat-trick as Peru overcame Bolivia 3-1 to set up a Copa America semi-final clash against hosts Chile.

Peru coach Ricardo Gareca was forced to defend Guerrero's goalscoring record pre-match, with the striker goalless in all three group games in Chile, leaving him with just two international goals since 2012.

Guerrero, however, proved his worth with his second Copa America hat-trick as Peru earned back-to-back semi-final appearances, having reached the final four in Argentina in 2011, and a showdown with Jorge Sampaoli's impressive side.

Marcelo Martins Moreno pulled one back from the penalty spot late on but the result was already beyond doubt thanks to Guerrero's heroics.

The Flamengo striker, who claimed a three-goal haul against Venezuela four years ago, scored two in three first-half minutes to put the game beyond Mauricio Soria's men after just 23 minutes.

He completed his hat-trick and a memorable performance with 16 minutes remaining as he moved second on Peru's all-time goalscoring charts with 24, alongside Teodoro Fernandez.
Bolivia - appearing in their first quarter-final since 1997 - made a host of changes to the team that lost 5-0 to Chile last week, with Edemir Rodriguez, Pablo Escobar, Ricardo Pedriel and Walter Veizaga dropping out for Edward Zenteno, Miguel Hurtado, Danny Bejarano and Alcides Pena.

Star forward Jefferson Farfan returned for Peru, while Victor Yotun and Edwin Retamoso were named in the starting XI at the expense of Josepmir Ballon and suspended captain Carlos Lobaton following last week's goalless draw with Colombia.

Bolivia came into the match as the lowest ranked nation remaining in the quarter-finals and they lived up to that tag as Peru gained a stranglehold on proceedings inside the opening 23 minutes.

Guerrero was the chief destroyer with a quick-fire brace, the first of his goals coming in the 20th minute after rising highest to head Juan Vargas' cross past goalkeeper Romel Quinonez, albeit with some help from a deflection off Cristian Coimbra.

It got better three minutes later as Peru caught Bolivia on the counter, with Christian Cueva playing through Guerrero, who tucked the ball underneath Quinonez, who had lost his footing.

Bolivia slowly worked their way back into the contest and they almost pulled a goal back via Leonel Morales and his thunderous long-range strike, while Martins Moreno forced Pedro Gallese into a fine save.

Farfa then struck the outside of the post minutes and crashed a free-kick off rattle the crossbar as he looked to add a third before half-time.

Farfan was in the thick of the action in the second half, though a goal continued to elude the forward despite two good opportunities.

At the other end, appeals for a 69th-minute penalty were waved away by referee Wilmar Roldan, who was soon surrounded by furious Bolivia players. Ricardo Pedriel appeared to be taken down by Gallese en route to goal.
Bolivia's woes were compounded five minutes later when Guerrero capitalised on Bejarano's terrible pass across the defence as he drove through on goal unchallenged for his hat-trick.

The Bolivians salvaged some pride late in the match when Martins Moreno converted from the penalty spot after Damian Lizio had been felled by Luis Advincula.
Substitute Yordy Reyna went close to making it 4-1 late on but could not connect with a low cross, and the match ended amid scuffles between both sets of players, although nothing as serious as Wednesday's clash between Chile and Uruguay.

Read More

Chile 1-0 Uruguay ,Isla strike sends hosts into semi-finals

The Juventus full-back fired home with 10 minutes remaining to set up a clash with either Bolivia or Peru in the last four of the Copa America

Chile are through to the semi-finals of the Copa America after Mauricio Isla's 81st minute strike was enough to see off nine-man Uruguay at the Estadio Nacional.

The full-back drove his shot low into the corner to settle an ill-tempered encounter which saw both Edinson Cavani and Jorge Fucile dismissed in the second half.

Cavani received his marching orders for slapping Gonzalo Jara in the face, capping a turbulent week for the Paris Saint-Germain star after his father was allegedly involved in a car crash that led to a fatality in Uruguay on Monday.

Uruguay's centre-back pairing of Diego Godin and Jose Gimenez were an immovable force up until the 80th minute, when Isla controlled the ball on the edge of the penalty area and fired Chile - bidding to win Copa America for the first time - into the final four of South America's premier tournament.

The match was blighted by a late red card to Uruguay defender Jorge Fucile, who sparked an all-in melee and a delay in play, while coach Oscar Tabarez was sent to the stands as the 2011 champions lost their heads.

Chile, who will face the winner of Bolivia and Peru on Monday, made one change to the team that routed Bolivia 5-0 in their final group fixture last week, with Eugenio Mena replacing Jean Beausejour.

Godin returned to Uruguay's starting line-up at the expense of Sebastian Coates after missing the 1-1 draw with Paraguay, while Fucile and Cristian Rodriguez came in for Alvaro Pereira and Abel Hernandez, respectively.

The opening 45 minutes in the Chilean capital - brutal at times with numerous challenges - was a half of few chances, Uruguay happy to sit back and stifle Chile with players behind the ball.

It proved effective as Chile, who dominated proceedings, struggled to create anything clear-cut, with the hosts forced into strikes from distance.

Charles Aranguiz came close to breaking the deadlock in the 26th minute, though his shot was straight down the throat of Fernando Muslera, while the Uruguay goalkeeper also dealt with Arturo Vidal's stinging long-range effort 11 minutes later.

The second half followed a similar path, with Chile dictating play without reward.

However, Uruguay had an opportunity to take an unlikely lead from a set piece after the ball fell to the feet of forward Diego Rolan, who reacted quickest but was unable to generate enough power in his volley to trouble Claudio Bravo.

Cavani left Uruguay with a mountain to climb, when he was shown a second yellow card in the 63rd minute.

Despite being down to 10 men, Uruguay engineered two good openings, while a Chile corner flashed across the six-yard box and eluded everyone.

Chile, however, finally made the most of their numerical advantage via Isla, who fired the ball into the bottom corner of the net with nine minutes left on the clock.

Uruguay's woes were compounded in the penultimate minute of regulation time, when Fucile saw red for a second bookable offence in a disappointing end for Tabarez's men

Read More

Brazil 2-1 Venezuela ,Thiago Silva and Firmino seal top spot

A goal in either half was enough for the Selecao to take all three points and take first place in Copa America Group C

Goals from Thiago Silva and Roberto Firmino gave Brazil a 2-1 win over Venezuela and saw them seal top spot in Copa America Group C, while saving Colombia from elimination.

Colombia had earlier been held to a scoreless draw by Peru in Group C but Jose Pekerman's side advanced as one of the two best third-placed teams.

A draw at the Estadio Monumental David Arellano would have eliminated the nation, with both Brazil and Venezuela progressing.

An out-swinging corner from Robinho was met by Silva at the penalty spot and his side-foot volley flew over the head of Alain Baroja and into the net, although questions will be asked about the reaction speed of Venezuela's goalkeeper.

After a fairly pedestrian first half, the second started rapidly as Venezuela sought an equaliser but it was Brazil who doubled their lead. Firmino finished off fine lead-up work from Willian in the 51st minute to effectively clinch three points, although Miku's late strike ensured a tense finale.

Neymar sat in the stands throughout Brazil's victory, with the Barcelona forward sitting out the first match of his four-game ban, although the Brazilian Football Confederation are expected to appeal the suspension, which would see the 23-year-old miss the rest of the tournament.

Brazil surged to the top of Group C with six points, setting up a quarter-final rematch with Paraguay in Concepcion on Saturday.

Paraguay stunned Brazil on penalties at the same stage on their way to the final four years ago.

After opening the scoring and putting one foot firmly in the last-eight, Brazil allowed Venezuela plenty of possession in the first 45 minutes, but Noel Sanvicente's men were unwilling to go into all-out attack mode because of the threat of counter-attacks led by Robinho.

Venezuela registered just one shot on target in the first half - a flick from Andres Tunez from Roberto Rosales' 30th-minute free-kick - and despite their more adventurous approach after the break, they were two goals behind before they could really react.

After Philippe Coutinho sliced a shot wide 15 seconds after half-time and Silva forced Baroja into a stunning low stop with a header soon after, Firmino struck to double Brazil's lead.

A flowing passing move saw the ball eventually reach Willian on the left wing, and the Chelsea midfielder's quick feet saw him get away from his marker before crossing with the outside of his right boot to set up the goal.

Tunez was again at least partly to blame, as the Venezuelan centre-back lost track of Firmino, just as he did for Silva's first-half goal.

Sanvicente's side gave themselves hope when skipper Juan Arango's free-kick was palmed onto the post by Jefferson in the 84th minute and Miku stooped to head home his first international goal since 2012 but it was not enough to save Venezuela from elimination.

Miku could have pulled off an incredible comeback in stoppage time but Josef Martinez's cross flashed just over his head with the goal gaping.

Read More

Colombia 0-0 Peru ,Bore draw sends Gareca's men into quarter-finals

Both sides struggled to create clear opportunities in a game bereft of quality, but the result was enough for Ricardo Gareca's side to advance to the last eight

Peru are through to the quarter-finals of the Copa America after drawing 0-0 with Colombia on Sunday night. 

Both sides came into Sunday's clash in Temuco hoping to guarantee their spot in the knockout phase, though Colombia needed a win to do so.

Neither side could find the breakthrough in an even encounter, despite Colombia's wealth of attacking talent creating the better chances to break the deadlock.

Radamel Falcao, James Rodriguez and Jackson Martinez all wasted opportunities to be the match-winner for the 2014 World Cup quarter-finalists.

Jose Pekerman's men - who suffered a shock defeat to Venezuela in their tournament opener – were put under pressure at the back by a Peru side that has performed above expectations and will finish at least third in the pool, with a record good enough to advance even if they are nudged out of the top two places.

Colombia, though, will watch on anxiously as Brazil and Venezuela face off in Santiago – a draw in that game will see them eliminated at the first hurdle.

Knowing they needed to force the issue, Colombia were fast out of the blocks and Falcao went close to opening the scoring in the fourth minute as his low shot was tipped round the post by goalkeeper Pedro Gallese after Peru had failed to clear their lines from a corner.

Pablo Armero then lashed into the side-netting before Colombia suffered a blow when Edwin Valencia landed awkwardly when chasing the ball, leading him to being taken off on a stretcher and replaced by Alexander Mejia.

Peru were rarely threatened for the remainder of the half after weathering the early storm and could have taken the lead themselves in the 43rd minute had Paolo Guerrero not skewed wide from Claudio Pizarro's clever pass.

Joel Sanchez saw two good chances to give Peru the lead go begging after the restart as the midfielder fired wide of the near post and was then denied by Colombia goalkeeper David Ospina.

Ospina got down low to his left to keep out Sanchez's first-time effort following great work from Christian Cueva.

The best chance of the second half fell to Martinez, who was thwarted on the rebound by Gallese in the 69th minute after the shot-stopper had prevented Rodriguez from giving Colombia the lead at the end of a quick counter-attack.

And Colombia may be left to rue missing what was their last real opportunity to take all three points, leaving one of the tournament favourites facing a nervous wait to learn whether they will re

Read More

Argentina 1-0 Jamaica ,Messi wins 100th cap as Albiceleste seal top spot

Gonzalo Higuain scored the only goal of the game to give his side victory and ensure their passage to the Copa America quarter-finals as group winners

Argentina celebrated Lionel Messi's 100th cap with a comfortable 1-0 victory over Jamaica to seal top spot in Copa America Group B.

All of the attention was on Messi in Vina del Mar on Saturday, as the Argentina captain brought up his international milestone.

But Gonzalo Higuain was the hero for the South Americans, with his 11th-minute strike the difference between the sides as the Albiceleste ended the group stage on seven points.

Argentina boss Gerardo Martino - watching from the stands after receiving a one-match ban for stepping on the field against Uruguay - rested Sergio Aguero and Nicolas Otamendi and drafted in Higuain and Martin Demichelis.

Jamaica made three changes to their line-up after losing to Paraguay midweek, with Dwayne Miller, Lance Laing and Deshorn Brown replacing Dwayne Kerr, Giles Barnes and Simon Dawkins.

Higuain was a constant threat early and he made the most of his start up front with a strike in the 11th minute - his first international goal since October last year.

Angel Di Maria rolled the ball into the penalty area and Higuain held off two defenders before turning and shooting low into the corner of the net to end a run of seven matches without a goal for Argentina.

Higuain almost doubled his tally with a looped effort over the onrushing Miller in the 22nd minute, having been played in by Lucas Biglia, but the Napoli striker's shot bounced off the top of the crossbar.

Jamaica struggled to make it out of their own half for much of the first 45 minutes - with Argentina controlling 82 per cent of possession - but they somehow made it to the interval only trailing 1-0, despite chances to centurion Messi and Higuain, while Di Maria was denied by a goal-line clearance and Miller.

The crossbar came to Jamaica's rescue again seven minutes in the second half, after Di Maria rattled the woodwork from the edge of the area, with Miller left watching cluelessly.

Di Maria was in the thick of the action shortly after, teeing up Higuain, who passed the ball to Roberto Pereyra, only for the substitute to scuff his shot wide.

Jamaica, surprisingly, finished the stronger of the two teams but were unable to breach Argentina's defence as they exited the tournament without a point and a goal.

But in bad news for Martino's men, Pablo Zabaleta was shown a late yellow card and will miss their quarter-final.

Read More

Uruguay 1-1 Paraguay ,Draw seals quarter-final berth for La Celeste

The result means Oscar Tabarez's men will finish third in Group B, while Paraguay remain top and could win the group if Argentina fail to beat Jamaica

Uruguay and Paraguay played out a 1-1 draw in Copa America Group B as Oscar Tabarez's men got the point they needed to clinch a place in the quarter-finals of the competition.

Jose Gimenez powered a header past a helpless Justo Villar to put the tournament holders in front, before Paraguay equalised with a header of their own through Lucas Barrios.

Tabarez's men looked the more likely to claim a crucial second goal, but were forced to settle for a point that is likely to see them meet hosts Chile in the last-eight.

Paraguay's opponents will depend on both the outcome of Argentina's match with Jamaica later on Saturday and the make-up of Group C, which currently sees all four sides level on points after two games each.

Amid a scrappy and keenly-contested opening, clear-cut chances were few and far between until Nelson Valdez failed to convert a Bruno Valdez knock-down from inside the six-yard box.

Despite failing to take advantage of the game's first opening, Paraguay nonetheless gained momentum.

Gimenez was required to clear when Nestor Ortigoza did well to find Nelson Valdez before the Atletico Madrid defender showed his quality at the other end as Uruguay edged ahead.

The centre-back rose highest to power home Carlos Sanchez's corner past Villar in the Paraguay goal 29 minutes in.

Gimenez's centre-back partner Sebastian Coates threatened to double the lead, almost connecting with Diego Rolan's deep cross before the latter tested Villar from a corner.

Now on top, Uruguay sought to press home their advantage before the break as Edinson Cavani prodded a shot wide, but it was Paraguay who had the final say in the first half.

Barrios outmuscled Gimenez to meet Edgar Benitez's lofted corner and level matters with his second goal of the competition.

Cavani had the first effort of the second half - nodding Maxi Pereira's delivery wide - as the holders piled on the pressure against a Paraguay side shorn of the impressive Ortigoza due to an apparent muscle problem.

Substitute Christian Stuani headed wide, Cavani had a volley saved and Fernando Muslera was also required to save from Derlis Gonzalez in the final moments, as Uruguay now look ahead to likely a quarter-final meeting with unbeaten Group A winners Chile.

Read More

Chile 5-0 Bolivia ,Rampant hosts cruise through as group winners

Jorge Sampaoli's side produced a perfect response to the Arturo Vidal controversy as they recorded a stunning Copa America victory

Arturo Vidal's recent off-field misdemeanour failed to derail Chile as the Copa America hosts charged towards the quarter-finals in emphatic fashion, beating Bolivia 5-0 in Santiago to seal top spot in Group A.

The lead in to Chile's final group fixture was dominated by Vidal, who made a public apology after his driver's licence was revoked for crashing his car while under the influence of alcohol on Tuesday.

However, Chile put the incident aside as they clinched first place in the standings ahead of Bolivia courtesy of Charles Aranguiz's double.

Aranguiz's two-goal haul came either side of Alexis Sanchez's first-half header - the Arsenal star's first goal of the tournament.

Gary Medel and an unfortunate own goal from Ronald Raldes completed the scoring during the closing stages, meaning Chile topped the group with seven points from three matches, ahead of Bolivia (4), Ecuador (3) and Mexico (2).

Jean Beausejour returned to Chile's starting line-up at the expense of Miiko Albornoz, while Mauricio Soria made four changes for Bolivia, with Edemir Rodriguez, Cristian Coimbra, Pablo Escobar and Walter Veizaga replacing Edward Zenteno, Damian Lizio, Miguel Hurtado and Danny Bejarano.

Both teams were assured of progression after Ecuador downed Mexico 2-1 in the group's earlier game and Chile wasted no time stamping their authority on proceedings, Aranguiz putting the host nation ahead after just three minutes.

Medel picked out Eduardo Vargas with a long lofted pass and the latter cushioned the ball into the path ofAranguiz, who made no mistake inside the penalty area.

Chile continued to dominate possession and they almost doubled their lead in the 19th minute via Sanchez after the forward saw his free-kick hit the outside of the post.

The woodwork denied Sanchez again 12 minutes later, when his set-piece sailed over the wall and cannoned off the crossbar.

Sanchez finally got the goal he deserved eight minutes before half-time, having started and completed a counter-attacking move.

Bolivia gifted away possession on the half-way line and Sanchez pounced, playing the ball out wide to Jorge Valdivia, who delivered a cross for his team-mate to dive low and head powerfully past goalkeeper Romel Quinonez.

Vargas missed the opportunity to put the result virtually beyond doubt in the 41st minute after dragging his shot wide of the target, with the goal gaping at his mercy.

With the points seemingly safe, Sanchez and Vidal were withdrawn at the break. Their absence took the sting out of the match, though Chile still managed to breach Bolivia's defence.

Aranguiz netted his second of the match in the 66th minute, substitute Angelo Henriquez squaring the ball across the six-yard box for his team-mate to poke home from close range.

Medel got in on the action in a rare foray forward 11 minutes from time and the combative midfielder looped the ball over the onrushing Quinonez.

Bolivia's heavy defeat was capped by defender Raldes, whose attempted clearance flew over his own goalkeeper and into the back of the net in the 86th minute.

Read More

Copa America has Finished For Neymar will have punishment suspended of four matches !!

The Barcelona attacker has been punished for his role in Wednesday's post-game brawl and will miss the remainder of the tournament

Brazil coach Dunga will have to make do without the services of Neymar for the remainder of the Copa America, with the attacker handed a four-game suspension.

The Barcelona star was shown a straight red card for his role in a brawl with Jeison Murillo and Carlos Bacca after Brazil's Copa América loss against Colombia on Wednesday and has consequently been banned for four matches as well as a $10,000 fine. 

He had previously already picked up his second yellow card of the tournament in the 1-0 defeat versus the Colombians.

Neymar will thus miss Brazil's final Group C match versus Venezuela on Sunday, while he is also out of any potential knockout stage match. Brazil have the right to appeal the decision to Conmebol, the South American governing body, on Saturday morning.

The 23-year-old was in fine form in the Selecao's 2-1 opening win over Peru, scoring once and setting up Douglas Costa's opener. He was unable to replicate that form versus Jose Pékerman's men, though, as they were beaten 1-0.

Neymar's absence means Philippe Coutinho or Douglas Costa could make Dunga's starting XI for the remainder of the tournament.

Read More

Mexico 1-2 Ecuador ,Copa America ends in disaster for El Tri

Miguel Herrera's men suffered a defeat at the hands of Gustavo Quinteros, with Enner Valencia and Miller Bolanos firing the decisive goals before a Raul Jimenez penalty

Ecuador stayed alive at the Copa America thanks to a 2-1 win over Mexico on Friday.

Needing a victory to at least stay in the hunt to be one of the two best third-placed teams, Ecuador hung on for the three points after goals from Miller Bolanos and Enner Valencia.

Raul Jimenez struck from the penalty spot for Mexico just after the hour-mark, but Gustavo Quinteros' men held on to jump into third in Group A.

It means Chile and Bolivia are guaranteed to go through, while Ecuador will need some luck as their goal difference (-2) leaves them as the third best third-placed team.

Quinteros' side had looked the more likely to score in the first half and they did, albeit with some luck, thanks to Bolanos' scrambled effort at the back post.

Bolanos and Valencia combined for the latter's goal in the 57th minute and Ecuador held on despite Jimenez's penalty, which came after a sloppy challenge in the area.

Ecuador made a lively start and gave Mexico goalkeeper Jose de Jesus Corona work to do in the opening five minutes.

Bolanos shot straight at the shot-stopper, who saved with his legs, before Corona palmed away a Christian Noboa strike.

Mexico's best chance fell to Vicente Vuoso, the man whose brace helped them draw 3-3 with Chile.

The forward was rewarded for his high pressing, turning over possession before curling a shot inches wide from inside the area in the 23rd minute.

Miguel Herrera's men would be punished for that missed chance soon after.

Valencia's hopeful shot from the left was blocked and fell to the back post, where Bolanos was quickest to react and scrambled into the roof of the net.

A Valencia header, which floated harmlessly over the crossbar, was the only chance of note in a scrappy start to the second half.

That proved to be a sign of things to come, as Valencia doubled Ecuador's lead in the 57th minute.

A poor turnover of possession in their own half put Mexico in trouble and Bolanos slid Valencia through, the West Ham forward getting across his defender with a touch before burying his finish.

Vuoso had a half-chance saved before Mexico were awarded a penalty after Gabriel Achilier climbed all over Hugo Ayala as a corner came in.

Jimenez stepped up and made no mistake from the penalty spot, going straight down the middle as Alexander Dominguez dived to his left.

Herrera was sent to the stands and his Mexico side were unable to find an equaliser despite their late pressure as their Copa America campaign came to an end.

Read More

Peru 1-0 Venezuela ,Pizarro blows Group C wide open

He out-of-contract Bayern Munich star struck the winning goal to leave all four teams on three points and leave it all to play for in the final round

Veteran Claudio Pizarro helped Peru to a priceless 1-0 victory against Venezuela as Ricardo Gareca's men stayed in the hunt for a Copa America quarter-final berth.

Peru were left heartbroken last time out after conceding an injury-time goal in a 2-1 loss to Brazil in their Group C opener on Sunday.

The Peruvians appeared set for another frustrating outing, despite playing against 10 men for over an hour after Venezuela left-back Fernando Amorebieta was sent off for stomping on Paolo Guerrero in the 29th-minute on Thursday.

But 36-year-old Pizarro - a replacement for Jefferson Farfan in the starting line-up - spared Peru blushes with a 72nd-minute winner at Estadio Elias Figueroa Brander in Valparaiso.

Guerrero played in Pizarro, who made no mistake from close range for his 20th international goal - moving him level on Peru's all-time scoring list alongside former Newcastle United midfielder Nolberto Solano.

Peru, Venezuela, Colombia and Brazil are now level on three points heading into the final round of group fixtures.

The best chance of the first half fell to striker Salomon Rondon - the hero for Venezuela in their shock 1-0 win against Colombia - in the sixth minute.

A quickly taken free-kick from Alejandro Guerra on the left wing almost picked out Rondon, who beat the offside trap just outside the six-yard box, but despite getting his outstretched boot to the ball, the Zenit forward was unable to generate enough power to trouble Peru goalkeeper Pedro Gallese.

Neither team generated anything clear-cut from that point in the first 45 minutes, though the match sprung into life approaching the half-hour mark, when referee Raul Orozco issued a straight red card to Amorebieta.

Amorebieta and Guerrero battled for possession on the left wing before the former appeared to stomp on his opponent's knee.

The 30-year-old's dismissal forced Venezuela into an early reshuffle and substitution, with midfielder Ronald Vargas sacrificed in favour of left-back Gabriel Cichero seven minutes before half-time.

Peru controlled proceedings from the restart, though Rondon still proved to be a handful up front as Venezuela played on the counter, almost breaking through on goal five minutes into the second half.

Peru then went close to scoring just past the hour-mark but Guerrero's cross eluded his team-mates inside the penalty area.

They eventually made their numerical advantage count with 18 minutes remaining via Pizarro, who fired powerfully past Alain Baroja, despite the goalkeeper getting a hand to the ball, as Venezuela's stubborn resistance was finally broken.

Read More