Chile triumphs over Argentina in the Copa America Centenario finale
Chile Outlasts Argentina in Penalty Shootout to Retain Copa America Centenario Title
In a tense and contentious affair that resembled a final more than a game, Chile emerged victorious in the Copa America Centenario final against Argentina on June 26, 2016, repeating their victory from the previous year. The match, played in New Jersey, USA, ended in a 0-0 draw after 120 minutes, with the outcome decided by a nerve-wracking penalty shootout.
The first half of the game belonged to Argentina and the referee, with the team dominating in possession and shots. However, the contest took a dramatic turn when two players were sent off in the first half. In the 29th minute, Chile's Marcelo Diaz received a second yellow card for impeding an onrushing Messi, resulting in his dismissal. Just four minutes later, Argentina's Marcos Rojo was sent off for tackling Arturo Vidal, leaving both teams with 10 players.
Despite the disadvantage, Chile held their ground and the game remained scoreless until the end of extra time. Goalkeepers had a significant impact in the first extra-time period, with Romero saving Vargas' header in the 99th minute and Bravo parrying Aguero's header off Messi's free kick a minute later.
The shootout proved to be a nail-biting affair. Argentina's Sergio Romero saved Lucas Biglia's shot, setting up Francisco Silva's game-winning shot for Chile. In the shootout, Lionel Messi missed his shot for Argentina, booting it wide right. Chile's Pedro Pablo Hernandez, Charles Aranguiz, Jean Beajuezour, and Francisco Silva scored for Chile, while Arturo Vidal's shot was saved by Sergio Romero for Argentina.
The game started with Argentina showing their intent, with Ever Banega firing a shot from distance in the opening 20 seconds, missing the goal and diving Bravo. Gonzalo Higuain had a great chance to score for Argentina in the 21st minute, but his shot was wide left after stripping Gary Medel of the ball. In the 16th minute, Messi was brutally tackled by Marcelo Diaz, resulting in a yellow card for Diaz and a free kick for Argentina. Messi's attempt was directed to Bravo.
Argentina's star-studded squad, including Lionel Messi (captain), Sergio Agüero, Gonzalo Higuaín, Nicolás Otamendi, Javier Mascherano, and many other top players, could not overcome the resilient Chilean defense. Once again, Messi failed in his quest to win a major international title.
In the end, it was Chile who outlasted Argentina in the shootout in both the 2015 and 2016 Copa America finals, securing their place in history as the repeat champions of the Copa America Centenario.
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