Two-time Copa America champions Chile began their quest for a third title with a gritty 0-0 draw against Peru in Arlington on Friday.
Chile, the two-time Copa America champions, kicked off their campaign for a third title with a tough 0-0 draw against Peru in Arlington on Friday. The match, held at the AT&T Stadium, home of the Dallas Cowboys, was a scrappy affair with neither team able to gain the upper hand, resulting in a goalless draw that boosts Argentina’s chances of topping Group A. Chile missed a crucial opportunity early on, with veteran Inter Milan forward Alexis Sanchez squandering a chance in the 16th minute. Sanchez, who was instrumental in Chile’s consecutive Copa America triumphs in 2015 and 2016, found himself in a prime position to score after a low cross from Victor Davila.
However, the 35-year-old Sanchez, with ample time and space, inexplicably lifted his shot over the crossbar, letting Peru off the hook.
“I had one or two chances, and this is Copa America—when you get a chance, you have to take it,” Sanchez commented after the match.
Despite the missed opportunities, Sanchez expressed satisfaction with the team’s performance.
“The feeling is positive. I am pleased with how we played. I am excited,” said the former Barcelona and Arsenal star.
Sanchez’s missed shot turned out to be Chile’s best opportunity of the match. Despite having 65% of the ball possession, they managed only one shot on target throughout the game.
The match was marred by 37 fouls, which disrupted the flow of the game and led to a lackluster spectacle.
Peru’s best chance came close to the hour mark when Gianluca Lapadula volleyed over from close range.
Peru’s Uruguayan coach, Jorge Fossati, found positives in his team’s performance.
“In the first half, Chile had more possession, but they couldn’t do much damage to us,” he said. “I saw a Peru with a very good attitude, but they were anxious and lacked confidence with the ball. We improved significantly in the second half.
“I didn’t see anything in Peru’s play that can’t be corrected. We are not perfect, but we are making progress in the right direction.”
With this result, Argentina, who defeated Canada 2-0 in the tournament’s opening game on Thursday, remains two points clear at the top of the group.
Chile’s next match is against Argentina on Tuesday in New Jersey, a repeat of the 2016 Copa Centenario final held at the same venue.
