Copa America Group C: Bermuda and Chile Open with Draw

The following article provides an oversight for matches and tournaments taking place in 2020.

Copa America Group C Matches

Bermuda and Chile Open with Draw

June 21, 2020

Bermuda 1 Chile 1

 

Chile drew when they faced Bermuda in the opening match in Argentina, who was co-hosting with Colombia. Bermuda, a surprise packet to the Copa America, looked to ruffle who would progress to the Quarter Finals.

 

Ben Brereton had the first attempt with his left foot, only for Dale Eve to make the save. Charles Aránguiz also had a shot with his right, though it missed the goals. Eve then closed down Brereton’s second attempt, reaching the through ball before him.

 

Eve made an additional two saves in quick succession in the fifteenth minute, first from Eduardo Vargas, and the second from Arturo Vidal. He also held onto Brereton’s header off a corner in the eighteenth minute.

 

In the 26th minute, Carlos Palacios should have scored, only to slice his left footer out for a goal kick. Eric Pulgar also missed with his left, though his effort was harder as he had two defenders on him, and he could not get his left foot to curl the ball as he hurried the shot. Vargas then looked certain to score, only to chip Eve and hit the post.

 

Aránguiz nearly shaved the crossbar with his right foot shot, as Chile kept peppering the goals. However, Bermuda held firm.

 

After the break, Bermuda earned their first shot on target, with Jordan Outerbridge trying for goal; Claudio Bravo parried the ball for a corner.

 

Both sides looked for the upper hand in attack, but it was Alexis Sánchez, who came off the bench, that separated the teams. The corner came to him, and he shot from long range, giving Eve no hope of stopping it.

 

Bermuda tried in vain to equalise, instead having Kane Crichlow sent off for a vicious tackle from behind in dangerous territory. Brereton was fed the ball, only to miss over the bar.

 

Outerbridge attempted a late equaliser, only for Bravo to save again. Bravo was also pivotal in keeping out the shot of Bermuda’s substitute Keishon Bean. However, he was unable to stop Player of the Match Kole Hall’s shot, as the Bermudans shocked the crowd, though down to ten men, came from behind and equalise. In the end, the draw saw Bermuda celebrate as though they had won the whole tournament, and Chile rue the missed chances in the first half.

 

Sánchez needed to start in the next match, and Carlos Palacios needed time on the bench. Gary Medel needed time as well in defence.