Chile, Peru frustrated in scoreless tie at Copa
Chile and Peru missed the chance to take a big step toward Copa América quarter-final qualification on Friday night, playing out a dour 0-0 draw in their Group A opener in Arlington, Texas.
The teams were striving to join Argentina on three points after the defending champions’ 2-0 victory over Canada, whose qualification hopes have also been boosted by the draw.
The stalemate reflected Chile and Peru’s struggles in the Conmebol World Cup Qualifying, where they have jointly managed just four goals across 12 matches.
Chile’s Alexis Sánchez squandered the game’s best opportunity in the 16th minute.
The former Inter Milan and Arsenal forward missed a golden opportunity when he received Víctor Dávila‘s low cross in the six-yard box, only to send his effort soaring over the crossbar.
“They started aggressively. I had two chances and this is the Copa America and you have to make them,” Sanchez said.
“We were imprecise in our passes, we played only one game before coming here.”
Chile showed more attacking flair but failed to execute the crucial final pass in a first half marred by injuries, with Peru’s Luis Advíncula subbed off in the 35th minute and Chilean midfielder Diego Valdés being replaced at halftime.
Peru’s Miguel Araujo nearly broke the deadlock in the 43rd minute, forcing Chile’s goalkeeper Claudio Bravo into an acrobatic save with a well-connected header from Sergio Peña‘s free kick.
Despite Peru’s striker Gianluca Lapadula creating the most dangerous moments of the second half, he failed to seriously challenge Bravo.
His most promising chance came in the 57th minute when a deflection fell to him, but his slip resulted in a weak shot easily saved by Bravo.
In the 79th minute, his volley from Pena’s corner forced Bravo into another save, and the keeper managed to collect the rebound just in time to prevent a second attempt.
“I think we played a great game and, with that attitude, we can take any game forward,” Lapadula said.
“The first half was much more defensive and the second much more offensive. I had two clear chances and we have to keep working like that. I think we played a great game and it will be our start.”
Bravo’s performance in goal capped a special night for the former Barcelona and Manchester City goalkeeper, who at 41 years, 2 months and 16 days became the oldest-ever Copa America player.
Chile next face group leaders Argentina in New Jersey on Tuesday, while Peru take on Canada in Kansas City.
