Chile secured a narrow and controversial victory over Bolivia thanks to a last minute penalty by Arturo Vidal. Last year’s defending champions, Chile endured some nervous moments against Bolivia and in the end a contentious penalty decision saved the blushes for La Roja.
Chile took the lead thanks to a well-worked team move which was finished off by Arturo Vidal. The Chilean superstar was in good form today dictating play in midfield and making intelligent runs into the box. Sanchez, Vidal and co seemed to have things under control but Bolivia’s Campos had other plans.
The Bolivian arguably scored the goal of the tournament when he curled in a left-footed free-kick from more than 30 yards out right into the top corner. The goal set the cat among the pigeons for Chile and they went on an all-out attack spree trying to grab the winner.
The game-changing moment came well into extra time when the Bolivia defender was pulled up for a very harsh handball. Arturo Vidal was the man who was tasked with the responsibility of taking the all important penalty and the Chilean kept cool under pressure sending the goalkeeper in the wrong way and coolly slotting home the penalty.
In what was an ill-tempered match throughout, Vidal kept his cool to net two goals and rescue Chile’s Copa campaign. Chile face Panama in their final group game, and barring a major shock, they will be favourites to progress from the group along with in-form Argentina.
Argentina look like the overwhelming favourites to win this tournament, however, like Chile showed last year, nothing is impossible.
