Chile beat Peru to reach Copa America final
June 30, 2015
Eduardo Vargas scored twice as hosts Chile beat rivals Peru 2-1 here Monday to reach the Copa America final and move closer to their dream of winning their first ever victory in the South American football showpiece.
Vargas, who had a terrible season on loan at relegated English Premier League side Queens Park Rangers, slammed in a stunning 64th-minute strike as the hosts reached their first Copa America final since 1987.
Vargas had given Chile a controversial lead after 42 minutes, prodding home from close range after the referee's assistant failed to spot a fractional offside.
Peru played most of the match with 10 men after Carlos Zambrano was sent off for a reckless challenge on Charles Aranguiz after 20 minutes. And yet they came back bravely to force an equalizer through a Gary Medel own goal in the 60th minute.
But Vargas, who also had a superb volleyed goal wrongly ruled out for offside early in the second half, restored Chile's lead with a contender for goal of the tournament.
The 25-year-old picked up a loose ball in midfield, surged forward and unleashed a beautiful dipping 30-yard effort that flew into the top corner past Peru goalkeeper Pedro Gallese.
Chile will now play the winner of Tuesday's semi-final between Argentina and Paraguay.
av/jr (AP, dpa)