(Reuters) – Chile and Peru missed the chance to take a big step toward Copa America quarter-final qualification last night, playing out a dour 0-0 draw in their Group A opener in Arlington, Texas.
The teams were striving to join Argentina on three points after the defending champions’ 2-0 victory over Canada, whose qualification hopes have also been boosted by the draw.
The stalemate reflected Chile and Peru’s struggles in the CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifying, where they have jointly managed just four goals across 12 matches.
Chile’s Alexis Sanchez squandered the game’s best opportunity in the 16th minute. The former Inter Milan and Arsenal forward missed a golden opportunity when he received Victor Davila’s low cross in the six-yard box, only to send his effort soaring over the crossbar.
Chile showed more attacking flair but failed to execute the crucial final pass in a first half marred by injuries, with Peru’s Luis Advincula subbed off in the 35th minute and Chilean midfielder Diego Valdes being replaced at halftime.
Peru’s Miguel Araujo nearly broke the deadlock in the 43rd minute, forcing Chile’s goalkeeper Claudio Bravo into an acrobatic save with a well-connected header from Sergio Pena’s free kick.
Despite Peru’s striker Gianluca Lapadula creating the most dangerous moments of the second half, he failed to seriously challenge Bravo.
His most promising chance came in the 57th minute when a deflection fell to him, but his slip resulted in a weak shot easily saved by Bravo.
In the 79th minute, his volley from Pena’s corner forced Bravo into another save, and the keeper managed to collect the rebound just in time to prevent a second attempt.
Bravo’s performance in goal capped a special night for the former Barcelona and Manchester City goalkeeper, who at 41 years, 2 months and 16 days became the oldest-ever Copa America player.
