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Match Overview
It was always said that it would be a very close affair between the Champions of Europe and those of South America, one that could only be decided was penalty shootouts. I expected a very thrilling game of soccer, which sadly, wasn’t the case in my opinion. The Portuguese team was set up to be very tight at the back, with the aim of soaking up the pressure from the Chileans and waiting for a mistake. When that opportunity surfaced, the Portuguese launched a quick counter-attack in a bid to feed the impressive, Andre Silva and the amazing, Cristiano Ronaldo. They also constantly made use of the wings, especially the right wing, where Cedric Soares delivered the crosses. Crosses after crosses were delivered into the box from both full backs trying to find the head of the strikers, but the Chileans managed to keep them out at every attempt.
Over the years, Chile has managed to win my respect and admiration when it comes to international football; the humbling of Argentina in recent years, the presence of top players who play for the top European teams, most importantly Alexis Sanchez (because he plays for Arsenal), are some of the reasons why I rate them so highly. I found it rather surprising that for the most part of the first half, they found it difficult to get a hold of the game. A couple of misplaced passes and a lack of creativity going forward were some of the shortcomings of the Chilean team at the early stages of the game. They later became confident and more assured as the game went on and were able to hold on till they eventually won the game on penalties.
Most Premier League fans would be shocked by the performance of the Chilean goalkeeper Claudio Bravo who was signed by Manchester City last season but endured a very poor start to life in the blue side of Manchester. It is said among fans that Bravo can’t catch a cold to save his life but he proved that wrong by saving not just one penalty but all three attempts from Portugal. This was a very impressive display from the 34-year-old. I hope Pep Guardiola was watching.
Starting Lineups
Portugal
Chile
Match Details
The Game
Chile had a very early chance to open the scoring in the first half when Sanchez slipped in Vargas with a wonderful pass, but the latter couldn’t convert the chance, Rui Patricio required a fine save to deny Vargas his goal. Moments later, Portugal had a chance of their own. Ronaldo was the provider sending a pinpoint across to his teammate Andre Silva, but Bravo was able to get down quickly to deny the new AC Milan boy.
After those two early chances, the game slowed down with Portugal gaining control, but they were unable to create any telling opportunity. Chile later gained control of the game and should have gone up a goal after Vidal’s quick free kick caught the Portugal’s defense off guard, but Aranguiz could only head wide.
Vidal, who has been excellent aerially so far in this tournaments met a cross from the left flank with his head in the second half, but he was unable to direct his header and hit the target. He was a little off balance.
The game started to open up a bit during the second half and Vargas pulled off a very impressive turn and strike which was brilliantly and bravely saved by Rui Patricio. Moments later, at the other end, Ronaldo aimed a shot at the roof of the net, but he was denied by the palms of Bravo who punched the ball to safety. And then it was time for the signature Ronaldo free kick. It was expected that he should at least be hitting the target from that distance, but the kick was well over and off target.
Portugal brought on Nani and Quaresma later on in search of a late goal but that wasn’t going to be the case. In the closing stages of the normal time, Ronaldo headed wide and failed to convert the chance though it was a rather difficult one.
Extra Time
Sanchez was first to go close during extra time when he was met by a lovely cross from Mauricio Isla, but he was unable to direct his header and his effort glanced narrowly wide of the post. That was the only chance of note during the first half of extra time. A major talking point of the game was the failure of the VAR (Video Assistant Referee) to spot and award a penalty to Chile in the closing minutes of the second half of extra time when Jose Fonte tripped Francisco Silva in the 18-yard box. From that moment on, it was just destined that Chile will come out on top. Moments after the penalty controversy, Vidal played a fierce outside shot which painfully rattled the bar, even more painful, Rodriguez’s follow-up also hit the bar. That was the last notable action of the game before the whistle was blown to show that the game will be decided via penalties.
Penalty Shootout
Arturo Vidal, Aranguiz and Alexis Sanchez all converted their penalties for Chile, while Ricardo Quaresma, Joao Moutinho and Nani all had their penalty kicks saved by Chile’s goalkeeper, Claudio Bravo, who put up a man of the match performance to send his country to the Final of the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup, where they will either face Germany or Mexico. Either way, it promises to be a very exciting Final and I’m hoping my expectations are met this time around.
Haircut Of The Game: Arturo Vidal, Ladies and Gentlemen
