Copa America 2024 Triumph – Chile and Peru Play Goalless Stalemate in Arlington

Chile, the two-time Copa America champions, began their quest for a third championship on Friday in Arlington with a hard-fought 0-0 draw against Peru. Argentina’s chances of winning Group A are increased by the tense match that took place in the home of the NFL franchise, the Dallas Cowboys, in Texas, where neither team was able to emerge victorious.

In the sixteenth minute, veteran Inter Milan forward Alexis Sanchez gave Chile a fantastic opportunity that went awry. After Victor Davila’s low pass, Sanchez—one of the heroes of Chile’s back-to-back Copa America triumphs in 2015 and 2016—was set up in the six-yard box.

However, Peru were handed a massive let-off when the 35-year-old managed to scoop his shot over the bar with plenty of time and space.
“I had one or two chances and this is the Copa America — when you have a chance you have to make it,” Sanchez told reporters afterwards.

Also Read: Euro 2024: Belgium Triumphs Over Romania with a 2-0 Victory

Sanchez stated Chile was happy with their performance, despite his dissatisfaction in front of goal.
“It feels nice. I’m pleased with how it was performed. The former forward for Barcelona and Arsenal said, “I’m excited.”

For Chile, who had 65% of the possession but only managed one shot on goal during the match, Sanchez’s mishandled attempt proved to be their finest opportunity of the evening. A disorganized match never really got going, with over 37 fouls interfering with play and making for a dull show.

Around the hour mark, Gianluca Lapadula had the best opportunity for Peru, volleying over from close range. The Uruguayan coach of Peru, Jorge Fossati, expressed optimism about his team’s performance.

“In the first half Chile had more possession of the ball, although they could not do much damage to us,” he stated. “I observed Peru as having a great attitude, but when it came to playing, she was nervous and lacked confidence. However, we really improved in the second.

“There was nothing in Peru that I couldn’t fix. Although we’re not a machine, we’re moving in the right way.” Argentina, who defeated Canada 2-0 in the opening match of the competition on Thursday, now leads the standings by two points.

In Tuesday’s second game, which is a rematch of the 2016 Copa Centenario final at the same location, Chile takes on Argentina.