Chile crush Mexico to reach semi-finals

Alexis Sanchez was Chile’s go to man as he produced a spectacular performance to help Chile through to the semi-finals of the Copa America Centenario.

 

Mexico put up a dismal show coming from a record of conceding only two goals since October 2015 as they were ripped apart by the Chilean forwards to down them 7-nil.

 

Chilean rampage began in the 16th minute, when Sanchez’s initial brilliance set up Diaz’ strike, which was blocked by Ochoa but only to fall for Puch who netted in the rebound.

 

Following the goal, Chilean legs kept running and displayed excellent connect while the Mexican defence seemed extremely loose. Sanchez kept his feet flurrying and in the 44th minute, showed some beautiful skill to beat two Mexican defenders and set up Vargas who scored by an easy finish. 

Mexico hadn’t even felt the half-time breather and Sanchez and Vargas added two more goals to Chile’s account within seven minutes of the second half. In the 49th minute, Vidal won the ball in the Mexican half to pass it off to Sanchez and a good ball play between them ensured Alexis his much deserved goal. 

Eduardo Vargas completed his hat-trick in the 57th minute when a stoned Mexican defence could do nothing to stop the spinning Chilean movement. 

Despite Chile earning an almost entry to the semi-final, Mexico looked for some consolation and in the 62nd minute, Jimenez broke through and passed off to Pena who went for a strike but got his shot deflected.

Mexico’s embarrassing night continued as Vargas scored his fourth goal in the 74th minute after Sanchez put the ball in for Puch who slided to tap but was held on by the Mexican defence. Vargas came to the spot and chipped it over. 

Chile’s field day ended with Puch netting his second in the 87th minute after some extraordinary and unselfish work by Sanchez on the left of the box. 

The only negative that Chile take from the match is Arturo Vidal’s second booking due to which he will miss the semis.

Vidal’s absence will surely be left on the field as his aggression gives Chile an extra edge. It will be interesting to see his replacement though.

La Roja put up a historic win and ended Mexico’s 22-win streak to advance to the semi-finals. Chile will next face Argentina, who routed Venezuela 4-1 earlier on Sunday.