A year after his defeat in the final of the World Cup, Argentina lost to Chile in the final of the Copa America (0-0, 4-1 on pens). This is the first victory of Chileans in the event.

Historic night for Chile. In front of their audience in Santiago, the Chileans won, the Copa America for the first time in their history by winning against Argentina at the end of a committed more than spectacular (0-0, 4-1 tab ). Failures of Gonzalo Higuain and Ever Banega in the penalty shootout precipitated the defeat of the albiceleste, beaten in an international event for the second consecutive year after its reverse against Germany in the final of the Cup 2014 world (1-0).

This final will not be remembered for its quality by both teams. Chile, dominating the middle, took possession of the ball without really succeeding to put Argentina in danger in the last thirty meters. It lacked a bit of power from Arturo Vidal (11th) and a bit of accuracy from Alexis Sanchez (82nd, 105th) and Marcelo Diaz (98th) unsuccessful at the only occasion they really had.

Argentina did not really have other opportunities, with an aggressive and perfectly organized defense, Lionel Messi could never express himself on the field. On an eccentric free kick la Pulga has still failed to give a goal to Sergio Aguero, but the recovery of the Argentine scorer header was miraculously output by Claudio Bravo (20th). One of the few strokes of genius of Barcelona.

With Messi neutralized, Argentina relied on Ezequiel Lavezzi, who entered at the 29th minute due to Angel Di Maria’s injury and the Parisian sent his shot into the arms of Chile goalkeeper on a perfect service from Javier Pastore (45+2). Launched in the area by Messi, El Pocho still might have been decisive, but he chose to serve Gonzalo Higuain but again too tight to frame the goal (90+2).

Argentina had missed his chance. Exhausted, Tata Martino’s men have only been unsuccessful at resisting Chile’s pressure during the extension although Chile was reliving its penalty nightmare only a year after their defeat to Brazil in the World Cup, (1-1, 2-3) on penalties, but this feeling now lives in the heart of the Argentines. La Roja, finally holds its first international title and it is well deserved.

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