Bravo Chile! The South American team books a space in the 2017 Confederations Cup Final on Sunday after knocking out Portugal in straight forward penalty shootouts.
After 120 grueling and scoreless minutes, Claudio Bravo made three consecutive saves to put Chile in the Confederations Cup final at Portugal’s expense. Here are three quick thoughts on Chile’s 0-0 (3-0 on penalties) victory
A goalless draw seemed the remotest of notions. Both sides should have scored in the opening seven minutes and their star men were the creators.
Chile’s opening came when Alexis Sanchez sent Eduardo Vargas clear with a perfectly-weighted reverse pass; the striker should probably have shot with his left foot but running around the ball to shoot with his right, he gave Rui Patricio enough time to block sharply.
Seconds later Andre Silva missed an even better chance when, located in front of goal by Cristiano Ronaldo’s left-sided centre, he allowed Bravo to save at the far post.
It was a breathless start as both sides were happy to leave something behind in the challenge, notably when Gonzalo Jara appeared to rake his studs down Andre Silva’s calf.
William Carvalho went in similarly late on Arturo Vidal, earning a yellow card.
The pace eventually slowed and although Charles Aranguiz missed the target twice for Chile, the first half ended underwhelmingly given its breakneck opening spell.
Portugal
Portugal’s new generation came up short and then their senior team-mates followed.
Much of the talk after their first three games had been of Andre Silva and Bernardo Silva, the exciting young attackers whose influence on the national team has grown, but they did not get much space vs. Chile and were watching from the bench by the time their more experienced counterparts missed from the spot.
Portugal were weakened going into this game by Raphael Guerreiro’s suspected broken leg and the needless suspension Pepe picked up in the win over New Zealand.
That might have contributed to Fernando Santos’ thinking in selecting a new-look midfield lineup including Carvalho, Adrien Silva and Andre Gomes. Ricardo Quaresma was among those sacrificed and it meant that on paper at least, this was a less expansive XI than the one that grew in confidence and fluidity as the group stage progressed.
Chile
Chile are a tournament machine and are now on the cusp of claiming a third major title in as many years.
They grew stronger as the 120 minutes went on, contrary to all logic, and ultimately deserved this win with Bravo, who saved so crucially from Andre Silva early on, book-ending his performance in thrilling fashion.
Bravo’s Bravado
Manchester City’s Goal keeper and Chile’s captain Claudio Bravo carried the night saving all penalties.
This was enough to see Chile through to the finals.
Chile will meet either Germany or Mexico depending on who will win tonight’s semi-final match.