Isla fires Chile into semis

25 June 2015 06:31

Hosts Chile are through to the semi-finals of the Copa America after an eventful 1-0 win over holders Uruguay in Santiago.

Mauricio Isla scored the only goal in the final 10 minutes after Edinson Cavani had been sent off for two bookings and Jorge Fucile was also given his marching orders for Uruguay as they finished the game with nine men.

That led to an ugly melee between players, coaches and officials but Chile held on to set up a semi-final against Bolivia or Peru.

Uruguay had the better of the early stages with a last-ditch tackle from Isla required to stop Cavani getting through.

Eduardo Vargas then weakly volleyed over the bar after some impressive build-up play as the hosts came to life and Alexis Sanchez soon found some space but saw his shot saved.

Uruguay were sitting deeper and deeper and Charles Aranguiz was next to test Fernando Muslera as Isla and Vargas combined to set him up on the edge of the box but his shot was easily gathered.

Cavani was then booked for a foul on Arturo Vidal and Chile were now rampant, swinging a host of crosses into the box that were dealt with well until Jorge Valdivia tried to find Sanchez at the far post but Fucile was on hand to challenge.

Sanchez then cut in and fired a shot high and wide before Vidal unleashed an absolute piledriver from outside the box that Muslera could only palm into the air before the defence cleared.

Uruguay managed to weather the storm and had two corners late in the half but Fucile went in the book for a rash challenge before the break.

Cavani had the first chance after the interval as he won an aerial battle and hit a crisp half-volley that went over the bar and moments later Uruguay had their best chance.

A Carlos Sanchez free-kick hit Aranguiz and the ball ended up with Diego Rolan on the edge of the six-yard box but his prod was saved by Claudio Bravo.

Cavani then had a moment of madness as he slapped Gonzalo Jara and, while the defender made a meal of it, the referee had no option but to hand Cavani a second yellow to leave Uruguay a man short for the last 24 minutes.

Chile began to press once more but Carlos Sanchez sent a wicked volley wide and Cristian Rodriguez missed the target with a wild effort before the hosts had their winner with nine minutes to play.

Muslera punched a cross clear but the ball fell to Valdivia who found Isla and his crisp, low strike from the edge of the area hit the back of the net.

Fucile then scythed down Alexis Sanchez for his second yellow to spark an ugly scuffle involving players and coaching staff with Jose Maria Gimenez likely to face action after shoving an official.

Uruguay coach Oscar Tabarez left the bench and when play finally resumed, Chile eased their way into the last four.

Source: PA