Copa America: Controversial penalty helps Chile edge Bolivia 2-1

Arturo Vidal converted a controversial penalty kick 10 minutes into second half stoppage time as defending champion Chile took a 2-1 win over Bolivia in a Copa America Centenario Group B match before a 19,392 at Gillette Stadium Friday night.

That goal against Venezuela was undeniably important, but so was the 28 year old midfielder’s first Bolivian goal, scored way back in 2007, giving his country a 2-1 lead over Peru in the Copa America. Jhasmani Campos, who had just been substituted into the match, struck a incredibly flawless ball past Claudio Bravo on a free kick to tie the match at one in the 61st minute.

Watch the free live streaming and telecast of the Copa America Final between Chile vs Bolivia. He took just six minutes to find the net and followed that up with another of his inch-perfect free kicks. Sanchez powered a shot on frame, but defender Edward Zenteno impressively blocked the shot on the goal line.

Bolivia recovered, Martin Smedberg firing wide (18th minute), New York Cosmos forward Yasmani Duk driving through the penalty area and fouling Gary Medel (22nd), a Juan Carlos Arce cross knocked out for a corner (27th).

73rd minute, 1-1: A unsafe cross comes into the box and the ball takes a deflection and sales just wide of the left post. Vidal said Marrufo missed two earlier penalty decisions. Their matchup history also speaks of the mastery of La Roja over La Verde after Chile posted a 3-1 victory against Bolivia back in 2013 and a 5-0 thrashing in their 2015 match.

Bolivia is simply playing for pride in this match after being eliminated due to 2-1 scores to Panama and Chile.

Pinilla was released by Vidal into the box and got his head up in time to cut the ball back into a risky area, with the latter sharp enough to pounce, turning it into the back of the net courtesy of a simple finish.

Bolivia can surpass and defeat their opponents in this match on Friday by teamwork.

Friday’s win marked a dazzling return to the spotlight for Messi, who is determined to help lead Argentina to their first major global tournament victory for 23 years. Chile’s other star, Alexis Sanchez, hasn’t made his mark so far in this year’s Copa and again struggled to break through. Bolivia’s players angrily protested the penalty, to no avail.

4th minute, 0-0: Alexis Sanchez makes a quick turn upon receiving a pass and is brought down harshly by Bolivia’s Ronald Eguino, who earned a yellow card for the challenge.

Sanchez’ cross struck the arm of defender Luis Gutierrez and assistant referee Peter Manikowski flagged for a spot kick.