Chilean players celebrate after defeating Argentina and winning the Copa America Centenario final in East Rutherford, New Jersey, United States, on June 26, 2016. / AFP / NELSON ALMEIDA (Photo credit should read NELSON ALMEIDA/AFP/Getty Images)
History was repeated last night as Chile won the Copa America in a penalty shoot-out after a tense goaless draw in 120 minutes against Argentina, the match saw both sides reduced to 10 men.
- Marcelo Diaz was sent off for Chile after just 28 minutes when he hauled down Lionel Messi to earn his second yellow card
- Marcos Rojo was show a harsh red card with three minutes left in the first half for tackling Arturo Vidal from behind
- Like in the last World Cup, Gonzalo Higuain had a brilliant chance to clinch the win after going on goal when Gary Medel slipped but could only poke the ball tamely at the goalkeeper
- Chile won last year’s Copa America with a penalty shoot-out after a goalless draw against Argentina
.@LaRoja is the first team to win the #CopaAmerica in back to back years since @Argentina in 1946 and 1947. #Copa100 pic.twitter.com/vZYcPHHQfL
— Copa América 2016 (@CA2016) June 27, 2016
Argentina has never won a major tournament with Lionel Messi.
The argument will continue to haunt the world’s best footballer
And the noise gets louder after Argentina’s 0-0 (4-2 penalties) loss to Chile in the Copa America Centenario final on Sunday.
The world’s best player has been constantly reminded of that one blemish in his otherwise stunning career.
Chile gave Messi no room throughout the match, not much space to operate.
But he had all the space he needed in the penalties.
It was Messi’s time to erase the nagging dark cloud over his priceless career by delivering a trophy for his beloved country.
But that didn’t didn’t happen last night.
The 2016 Copa America Centanario final, which was a rematch of last year’s final in which Chile won in penalties. This year’s final was no different.
The final was a heated battle with 36 fouls, 6 yellow cards, and 2 red cards. Chile won their second consecutive Copa America tournament 4-3 in a penalty shootout against Argentina as the game remained stalemated after 120 minutes of play.
In the 21st minute, there was a glorious chance for Argentina, as a turnover by Chile’s Gary Medel lead to a one-on-one chance for Argentina’s Gonzalo Higuain, who shot it past both the Chilean goalkeeper Claudio Bravo and the post for a goal kick.
After Arturo Vidal was denied on his penalty kick for Chile, Messi took the first shot for Argentina. The best player in the world sent his shot to the stands.
It was a shocking miss. There’s fatigue of a 120-minute match, but the pressure of the moment always plays a role.
After Chile’s win, Messi could be seen siting alone on the bench. He was devastated.
7 – Argentina have lost their last 7 finals (Copa América 2004/07/15/16, Confederations Cup 1995 and 2005 and World Cup 2014). Curse
— OptaJose (@OptaJose) June 27, 2016
