Chile see final against Argentina as World Cup final

The second half of the Copa America semi-final between Chile and Colombia at Soldier Field was put on hold for about two hours because of the storm, officials said.

Charles Aranguiz (seventh minute) and Jose Fuenzalida (11th) converted as Chile won its fourth successive match in the tournament after dropping a 2-1 decision to Argentina in its opener. The title holders subsequently defended well enough to frustrate a fitful Colombia, the Guardian reported.

Chile, who were already two goals up at half time the second half was delayed, came back to beat Colombia 2-0.

The Copa America Centenario semi-final between Chile and Colombia was plunged into chaos here Wednesday after a severe thunderstorm halted play.

Colombia had appeals for a penalty waved away early in the second half when Daniel Torres tumbled over the outstretched leg of Gonzalo Jara in the penalty area. Argentina might have doubled their lead five minutes later, when Ever Banega backheeled to pick out Marcos Rojo, who crossed for Messi, only for the Albiceleste skipper to shoot over.

The two have already met at the Copa America Centenario, when a Messi-less Argentina were inspired by Angel Di Maria to a 2-1 win in their opening game.

His sublime free kick in the 4-0 win over the United States took him on to 55 goals and above Gabriel Batistuta as Argentina’s all-time leading goalscorer.

The skies finally cleared and action resumed at nearly 22:30 local time (03:30 GMT), but wet patches all over the pitch made things hard for the players.

The U.S. closes its tournament Saturday in the third-place match at Glendale, Arizona.

“We know Chile, it is a very complete selection and therefore is again in the final”, the Argentina number 10 said.

After the Americans lost to Jamaica in the semifinals of last year’s CONCACAF Gold Cup and struggled in the semifinal round of qualifying for the 2018 World Cup, U.S. coach Jurgen Klinsmann was hoping his team would rebound in the Copa, when right back DeAndre Yedlin, defender John Brooks, midfielder Gyasi Zardes and forward Bobby Wood solidified their positions as regular starters, and Brooks and Cameron became a steady pairing in central defense.

Chile looked sharper across the pitch but inevitably they were unable to maintain their frenzied pressing and Colombia gradually came into the match.

A rematch of the 2015 Copa America will decide the centennial championship.