Chile wins Copa America once again over Argentina

Chile once again defeated Argentina to win the Copa America, just like in the 2015 edition of the tournament. The Mapochino team won in the penalty shootout, where Arturo Vidal and Lionel Messi, the biggest stars of both teams, missed their respective penalties.

Rough play overshadowed the match from the early minutes, with Marcelo Diaz being its first victim. The Chilean midfielder committed a strong foul against Lionel Messi and received his second yellow card. He was sent off before the half-hour mark.

Before the end of the first half, Heber Lopes also sent off Marcos Rojo, leaving both teams with 10 men. From then on, the match became more balanced, although Chile was the team that threatened Sergio Romero's goal the most.

Argentina tried to create danger and Gonzalo Higuain had the clearest opportunity of the match. A blatant mistake by Gary Medel left the 'Pipita' alone in front of goalkeeper Bravo, but the Napoli forward couldn't finish.

The extra time was just a formality, except for Sergio Aguero's header that almost broke the deadlock. But that's when Bravo, Chile's goalkeeper, appeared when he was most needed. He made the best save of the tournament, barely preventing a goal.

The champion would be decided from the penalty spot. Arturo Vidal was in charge of taking the first penalty and missed it due to a brilliant save by Romero. The Chilean star made it difficult, but nothing was decided yet.

It was Lionel Messi's turn. All of Argentina was preparing to celebrate the goal from the 'Pulga', but the worst happened. The Barcelona player lost his composure and sent his shot over the crossbar. The Argentinean sorrow echoed in the Metlife Stadium in New Jersey.

Lucas Biglia also missed, and in the end, Francisco Silva scored the winning goal. Thus, Chile repeats the 2015 final and wins its second consecutive Copa America.

Repeating last year's final

Tonight, at 7 p.m. in the Metlife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, the reigning champion, Chile, faces Argentina once again in the centennial edition of the Copa America.

Gerardo Martino's team arrives as the main challengers, and deservedly so. Argentina reaches their third consecutive final without being able to solidify Lionel Messi's generation. On the other hand, Juan Antonio Pizzi's Roja does not plan on giving up their first title in history.

For the Argentinean side, their trump cards are the brilliant Messi and Gonzalo Higuain. The mapochos have Eduardo Vargas and Alexis Sanchez up front, as well as Arturo Vidal in midfield.