2. CONMEBOL Copa America 2015 – Chile shatter Messi’s Argentina
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It's not deja-vu; it's simply true. The 2016 Copa America Centenario final was a repeat of the previous edition. Yes, it happened again this year, as Chile started slowly but smashed past Messi's Argentina, prompting his heartfelt retirement (sort of). Brazil was originally due to host the 2015 Copa America, but with the 2013 Confederations Cup the 2014 World Cup & 2016 Rio De Janeiro Olympics, they opted out – Chile eagerly took on the responsibility. It proved to be the right decision, as they searched for their first Copa America title ever.
Despite no training with his national team (he came only 2 days prior to the tournament), Bayern Munich’s Arturo Vidal struck the first Chilean goal in the opener, a penalty to breach Ecuador’s defence. Vargas was next, finishing the match 2-0. A thrilling encounter between Chile and Mexico ended was again decided by the voracious duo, as Vuoso struck first bfore Vidal answered immediately.
Then, Jimenez scored on the 28th minute but Vargas again equalized with 4 minutes to half-time. Mexico gave away a penalty and Vidal struck again from the spot to make it 3-2, but Vuoso’s 65th minute goal would make it 3-3 – the final score. Against Bolivia it was more of a team affar, as the Bolivians were demolished 5-0 with 4 different scorers, including Raldes’ 85th minute own-goal to seal the rout.
A Suarez-less Uruguay could not breach the organized, snappy Chilean defence, which punished the former with a Mauricio Isla goal 10 minutes before the game was forced to extra-time in the quarter-finals. Against Peru, Eduardo Vargas scored the opener in the semis, but Gary Medel’s own goal on the hour mark cancelled it out.
To spare his teammate’s blushes, he scored just 3 minutes later, sending his team through to the final against Argentina, who had just put 6 past Brazil’s conquerors (Paraguay)! In Santiago, the Chileans stood up to become legends, completely outplaying the Argentineans with a ferocious, rapid, stylish display that didn’t get the goal it deserved in the 90 minutes – or the extra 30.
In the penalty shoot-out, Chile showed their clear superiority, with Messi scoring as well as any of them. On the other hand, Gonzalo Higuain and Ever Banega missed theirs, to allow Arsenal superstar Alexis Sanchez to score the winner on his own ground.
