Houston:
On Wednesday, Chile defeated Colombia 2-0 to reach the finals of the Copa
America 2016 for the second time in row. Chile will face Argentina in the
finals, who were the winners of Copa America 2015.
Led by Claudio Bravo’s stellar effort in
goal, Chile earned its fourth straight win since a 2-1 loss to top-ranked
Argentina in their Group D opener. Next up is a rematch with La Albiceleste in
the final Sunday night in New Jersey.
Chile also faced Lionel Messi and Argentina
in last year’s championship, with La Roja winning 4-1 in a penalty shootout
after a 0-0 extra-time draw. Argentina was the last country to repeat as Copa
champions in consecutive years, accomplishing the feat in 1946 and 1947.
James Rodriguez and Colombia got off to a
slow start and their push for a comeback was hampered by a strong line of
thunderstorms that delayed the start of the second half by more than two hours,
drenching the playing surface and making it difficult to stay on your feet at
Soldier Field, home of the NFL's Chicago Bears.
Colombia, which will face the United States
in the third-place game on Saturday night in Arizona, also had to play with 10
men after Carlos Sanchez received his second yellow card in the 57th minute.
Chile and Argentina will face in the finals
for the third time now in the history of the tournament. The first time was in
1955, the 23rd edition (when the tournament was called South America
Championship), when Argentina defeated Chile 1-0 to win its tenth title. The
second time was in 2015, the 44th edition, when tables turned as
Chile defeated Argentina through penalties 4-1 (they initially tied 0-0), to
win their debut title. Chile so far has one title, while Argentina so far has
14 titles.
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