Chile conquers their first America’s Cup

Spectacular, that was the atmosphere with which the Estadio Nacional de Santiago welcomed the America’s Cup final between Chile and Argentina. In the middle of a packed-out setting, the Chilean national team, host of the Championship, came onto the field with a boost of motivation after hearing all their supporters roaring during the national anthem.

With its typical strength and carried by the crowd, Chile started pushing forward onto the Argentinian defence. As a result of that intensity, the locals won a ball that ended with Vargas’ deflected shot. Soon after Arturo Vidal had another chance with a shot blocked by goalkeeper Romero. The Albiceleste squad had trouble in circulating the ball and Sergio "Kun" Agüero was the only way found forward by Tata Martino’s men. It was precisely Agüero who headed the ball at goal, ending with Claudio Bravo’s great block after Messi’s free kick.

The 'Roja' national team continued controlling the game and lateral advances from both wings added to the intensity and barely allowed Argentina to play. In this scenario Di María was injured and Lavezzi replaced him. Lavezzi himself was about to score at the last moment of the first half after a centred ball that was cleared by Bravo’s fists.

After resuming the game, Argentina got it more together and tried to take charge of the game. The set pieces were a constant threat for Jorge Sampaoli’s squad. After fifteen minutes of superiority in the game and occasions such as Otamendi’s corner kick, Chile started growing stronger in the face of Argentina’s lack of physical strength. In this situation, Alexis Sánchez had the clearest opportunity but his right foot volley did not reach Romero’s goal. The last chance of the game was for Higuain following a counterattack led by Messi, but the ball arriving to Albiceleste’s number '9' after Lavezzi’s forced pass.

After the final 0-0 draw, the extra-time began. During this time and with flagging energy, Alexis had a chance to win the game. A mistake by Mascherano gifted a clear chance for the Tocopilla striker who stuck the ball over the crossbar. The stalemate persisted until the end when the game went to penaltys in which Chile took the game (4-1) and took the first Copa America of their history.