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Chile national football team
Copa America | Final
Jul 4, 2015 at 9pm UK
 
Argentina national football team

0-0

FT
Chile win 4-1 on penalties

Live Commentary: Chile 0-0 Argentina (Chile win 4-3 on pens) - as it happened

Relive the 2015 Copa America final as Chile clinch their first ever international trophy with victory over Argentina via a penalty shootout.
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Chile won their first ever major international trophy courtesy of a 4-1 penalty shootout victory over Argentina in the final of the 2015 Copa America in Santiago this evening.

Neither side could be separated over 120 minutes of goalless action, with Argentina spurning arguably the best chance right at the end of normal time when Gonzalo Higuain failed to convert at the back post.

Higuain was one of two Argentines to miss from the spot in the shootout too, allowing Alexis Sanchez to coolly convert the winning penalty and end his country's long wait for international honours.

Find out how all of the action unfolded courtesy of Sports Mole's live minute-by-minute coverage below.


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Good evening! Thank you very much for joining Sports Mole for tonight's huge showdown between rivals Chile and Argentina as both countries attempt to end lengthy barren streaks on the international stage in the final of the Copa America. It is the hosts against the pre-tournament favourites, with plenty more sub-plots and storylines to go with it, so we should be in for an interesting affair tonight. Let's start with a look at the home side...

Chile may be in the underdogs going into this match tonight, which is a role they will relish, but the pressure will still very much be on their players. A fervent home support is expected in Santiago and, while reaching the final in itself is a good achievement, now that they are in the showpiece they will be desperate to win it. Argentina are, of course, no pushovers, but that home advantage could well be integral to Chile's chances.

Surprisingly, Chile have never won this tournament in its long history, so the current crop of players - led by the likes of Sanchez and Vidal - have the chance to write themselves into Chilean folklore tonight. Of course, they would have rather lifted the trophy sooner than 2015, but if they are to do it then beating rivals Argentina in the final on home soil would be as close to the ideal scenario as they could wish for.

They certainly seem capable of making things difficult for their star-studded opponents. Chile have been renowned as a force in world football for a while now, and they drew many plaudits for their performances as last summer's World Cup, despite only making it to the quarter-finals. It is not exactly a shock to see them in the showpiece event, particularly on home soil, but they will have to upset the odds if they are to come away with the trophy this evening.

The hosts were drawn in a group with Ecuador, Mexico and Bolivia, from which they comfortably progressed as expected. A 2-0 triumph over Ecuador in their first game was followed by arguably the match of the tournament so far as they played out a topsy-turvy 3-3 draw with Mexico. A 5-0 thrashing of Bolivia followed in their final group game to send them through top of the pile with 10 goals to their name - six more than the next highest scorers in any of the groups.

They came up against defending champions Uruguay in the quarter-finals for what proved to be an ill-tempered affair. Uruguay had two men sent off, including Cavani following a now infamous incident with Jara, who has himself been retrospectively banned for his part in that. Isla's 81st minute goal was enough to end them through, however, and a date with Peru awaited in the semis. Again it was a tight contest, but a brace from Vargas either side of a Medel own goal saw them through against a Peru side who were forced to play with 10 men from the 20th minute.

While they have benefitted from red cards in their two knockout games, there can be little argument against Chile being in the final. No team has scored more than the 13 they have managed in this season's competition so far, while they have averaged an impressive 70.8% possession throughout the campaign. Argentina also like to dominate the ball, though, so whoever wins that battle could well go on to lift the trophy today.

Manager Jorge Sampaoli - an Argentine himself, incidentally - has overseen a six-match unbeaten streak going into this match, with their four wins and draw from this tournament being preceded by a friendly victory over El Salvador. It has certainly been an impressive response from back-to-back defeats in March that saw the Chileans fall to minnows Iran in addition to Brazil.

Argentina will be confident of ending that unbeaten streak, though, having begun to show the type of form that made them pre-tournament favourites. It is fair to say that La Albiceleste have not swept past teams as some expected they might with the embarrassment of riches at their disposal. Much like last summer's World Cup, however, they have found their way to the final and once again have a chance to end their own drought on the international stage.

Argentina have amazingly not won this or any international competition for 22 years - lifting their 14th and most recent Copa America crown in 1993. Considering some of the players they have had since then - the likes of Crespo, Batistuta, Riquelme and, of course, the current crop, it is far too long to be without the trophy. Despite that, victory tonight would see them draw back level with reigning champions Uruguay as the most successful nation in the competition's history with 15 titles.

Chile will pose a stern test to Gerardo Martino's men, so it is safe to assume that they will need something more like their semi-final performance than those before the last four if they are to lift the trophy tonight. Drawn in a group with Paraguay, Uruguay and Jamaica, Argentina got off to an inauspicious start when they blew a two-goal lead against Paraguay to draw 2-2, with the equaliser coming in the 90th minute.

A narrow victory over Uruguay was relatively expected, but they were only able to beat Jamaica by the same 1-0 scoreline. Still, they managed to top the group with seven points from their three games, while only Colombia conceded fewer goals throughout all of the groups. Having said that, with the attacking prowess at Argentina's disposal, their tally of four goals in the groups was something of a disappointment.

It was Colombia who Argentina faced in the quarters and, true to their good defensive records up to that point, the two sides played out 120 goalless minutes as the match went to penalties. There were four missed spot kicks in a row during sudden death, before Carlos Tevez finally put an end to proceedings and sent his side into the a semi-final clash with Paraguay. Finally we saw something like the real Argentina in that match as they hit Paraguay for six - including four in the second half - to sail into tonight's final.

We really should have known that they would reach the final from the start - not only because they were favourites or because of Messi, but because of their impeccable record on Chilean soil. They have never failed to reach the final of the Copa America when it has been hosted in Chile, going on to win the competition four times in this country and finishing as runner-up twice. This is the first time that they have met Chile in the final, however, so they may find it more difficult with the crowd against them.

Results-wise, Argentina are in good form going into the final. They remain unbeaten so far in 2015, going eight games without defeat and keeping five clean sheets in the process. Their last defeat was at the hands of Portugal in November, while they have not lost a competitive match with Mario Gotze's extra-time winner in the World Cup final against Germany last summer. Nothing can quite erase the disappointment of losing in a World Cup final, but victory tonight would certainly alleviate the pain for the bulk of these players.

TEAM NEWS: Speaking of players - it's team news time! The good news for Chile fans is that Sanchez starts despite a minor concern over his fitness leading up to the match. Sampaoli does make two changes, however, with Jean Beausejour and Francisco Silva coming into the side in place of Rojas and Albornoz. Argentina, on the other hand, see no need to change from their semi-final rout as they name the same XI. Full team news coming right up...

CHILE STARTING XI: Bravo; Isla, Silva, Medel, Beausejour; Aranguiz, Díaz, Vidal, Valdivia; Sanchez, Vargas

ARGENTINA STARTING XI: Romero; Zabaleta, Demichelis, Otamendi, Rojo; Biglia, Mascherano, Pastore; Messi, Aguero, Di Maria

What can we make of those two teams, then? Well, for Chile the inclusion of Sanchez is clearly a huge positive, although it was always unlikely that he would miss out on this game. It is understood that he is struggling with a problem picked up while playing for Arsenal last season, but he has battled through the pain barrier so far and it would have been a big surprise had he not been passed fit for tonight. He hasn't quite been at his best in this tournament, but there is no doubting his match-winning ability.

Chile's forward Alexis Sanchez celebrates after scoring a goal during the Round of 16 football match between Brazil and Chile at The Mineirao Stadium on June 28, 2014© Getty Images


Elsewhere, it is fair to say that Vargas didn't have quite the impact on the Premier League as his compatriot Sanchez did last season, but the former QPR loanee has been one of the stars of the Copa America so far. He is the top scorer with four goals to his name, including the stunning match-winning brace in the semi-final. He has a good understanding with Sanchez, and together they will fancy their chances of causing Argentina's centre-back pairing a few problems.

The likes of Isla, Medel and Beausejour will be familiar names to fans of English football, and behind them Barcelona's Claudio Bravo will be looking to keep out his club teammate Lionel Messi tonight. Arturo Vidal came up against both Messi and Bravo in the Champions League final for Juventus a month or so ago, and he could have a key role in the middle of the park today. He can be very influential on his day and, with speculation abound over his future, a fine display tonight could convince one or two teams to stump up a bit more cash.

For all of Chile's strength throughout the team, if Argentina's front three are on form then there is little that can be done to stop them. Angel di Maria was disappointing in the Premier League with Manchester United last season, but he scored twice in the semi-final and is beginning to show signs of his best form once again. When on top of his game, the winger can be one of the most dangerous players in world football, so Chile will be hoping that the Di Maria from Old Trafford turns up tonight.

Even if Di Maria does have an off-day, alongside him is Manchester City's Sergio Aguero, who won the golden boot following another prolific season in the Premier League last term. He has had his fitness issues in recent seasons, but there is no doubting then when he is healthy and on form, he is among the best strikers in world football. His work-rate and desire matches his ability - much like Sanchez for Chile - and you would back him to finish any chances that come his way tonight.

The, of course, there is the maestro that is Lionel Messi. Many neutrals may well be supporting Argentina tonight just for the fact that Messi is yet to pick up any international honours. His claim to the throne of the greatest player ever will be strengthened further still with a triumph for Argentina under his belt, and despite his relative lack of goals - he is yet to score from open play in this tournament, with his only goal coming from the spot in the opening match against Paraguay - he has still been instrumental for his side. He picked up three assists in the semi-final and will be desperate to win tonight following the World Cup disappointment in Brazil last summer.

Argentina's forward Lionel Messi celebrates after scoring a goal against Paraguay during a Brazil 2014 FIFA World Cup South American qualifier football match at Defensores del Chaco stadium in Asuncion, Paraguay, on September 10, 2013© Getty Images


That is undoubtedly a special front three - and let's not forget that they have the likes of Higuain, Tevez and Lavezzi on the bench - but Argentina do have quality throughout the rest of their side too. Mascherano is fresh off a treble with Barcelona, during which he played a key part, while the vast majority of their players are featuring regularly for some of Europe's top clubs. The much-improved Demichelis provides a good centre-back partnership with Otamendi in what is a strong back four all round.

PREDICTION: We're 10 minutes from kickoff at the Estadio Nacional, which means that it is time for a prediction! Argentina are clearly the favourites going into the match, and if they play like they did in the semis then it is very hard to look past them. However, Chile are a very good team in their own right and have home support behind them as they look to make history. It is a tough one to call, but if in doubt always go for the team with Messi. The genius is a big-game player, and I expect him to come up trumps again tonight. I'll go for a narrow 2-1 Argentina victory.

History certainly dictates that Argentina will win this one tonight - they have never lost to Chile in a Copa America match, winning 19 and drawing five of their 24 meetings. Their recent record makes for even worse reading for Chile fans, with nine of their last 10 Copa meetings ending in victory - the most recent six of which they have prevented Chile from even scoring.

Indeed, they have only managed to score 12 goals in those 24 Copa America matches against Argentina who, in contrast, have scored in 12 of their last 13 meetings and averaged 2.3 goals along the way. In all competitions, Chile have beaten Argentina just once in their last 14 meetings - a run that stretches all the way back to 1959.

The most recent meeting between these two sides came in October 2012 during qualifying for the Brazil World Cup, and it was the very same stadium as tonight that played host to that match. Chile will be hoping for a different result, however, as goals from Messi and Higuain handed La Albiceleste a 2-1 victory.

These two have never met in a Copa America final before, but they have had poor fortunes in the showpiece event in their most recent appearances. Argentina have lost their last two at the hands of Brazil, while Chile have failed to win any of their four appearances in the final.

KICKOFF: Here we go then! The 2015 Copa America final gets underway in Santiago as Argentina kick off in front of a raucous crowd. This really is a huge match for both sides.

Chile start the match by knocking the ball about at the back until Messi pounces and wins it back. Nothing comes of that, and Chile quickly break down the other end with Sanchez playing a fine through-ball to Isla, whose cross is claimed by Romero.

Isla has made a couple of bursts up that strong Chilean right flank already as the hosts look to make a quick start to the match. They will be encouraged by the opening four minutes in this match.

Argentina have their first serious foray forward as the ball is worked out to the left flank where Di Maria looks to test Isla defensively, He ducks this way and that but then produces neither a shot nor a cross as the ball sails behind for a goal kick.

That is quickly followed by another, more dangerous attack from the visitors. Messi picks the ball up in the final third and tries to act as the creator as he did in the semis, but Aguero is just a whisker away from getting on the end of his through-ball.

This time Messi tries to lift a pass over the defence for Di Maria, but the Manchester United man has just strayed a fraction early and the offside flag goes off. If he had held his run for another second then he would have been clean through on goal.

Half a chance for Chile as Valdivia finds space just inside the Argentina box following some poor defending from Otamendi. Valdivia has space to either pick out a shot or a pass, but his attempt at the latter is poor and the opening goes begging.

SHOT! Vargas scored twice in the semi-final, and he tries his luck from range again here. He picks the ball up around 25 yards from goal and only ever has one thought in his mind, turning and firing a quick, low effort towards the bottom corner. The ball bounces past the post, but that is another warning shot for Argentina.

SAVE! Chile are piling the pressure on now! Sanchez drives down the right before drilling a low cross into the box. Demichelis can only slice his clearance up in the air and Vidal is there to volley one towards the bottom corner, but Romero gets down really well to make a fine stop to his left.

Chile have certainly made the brighter start to this match. Argentina have had one or two moments going forward, but the hosts are flooding forward with pace and numbers, as well as keeping the pressure up high up the field. This final has started at a great tempo.

Crucial piece of defending from Medel as he gets himself between Aguero and the ball just when the Man City striker looked to have a really good chance. Chile will certainly not want to be stung now after making such a positive start.

Still the match is being played at a good tempo, which is great to see with so much riding on this game for both sides. Both are looking to get forward whenever possible, and both look threatening when they do get forward.

Argentina win a free kick in a dangerous crossing position, with Messi standing over it...

SAVE! Messi's ball in from the right is a dangerous one, and Aguero meets it at the front post to turn it towards goal from close range. His effort is straight at Bravo, however, and the Barcelona man makes the save.

Argentina have certainly settled into this one a little following that spell when Chile were on top. Right now it is the visitors who look most like scoring, but Chile are so quick to get men forward that they always seem to be a threat.

CHANCE! There is a perfect example of what I just said - and Argentina attack breaks down and immediately the ball is lifted over the defence for Vargas to chase down the right channel. He is beyond the last defender, but can't keep his shot down with only the keeper to beat. It wasn't quite a sitter, but he would have wanted to do better there.

YELLOW CARD! The first card of the evening goes to Silva for a challenge on Di Maria on the left touchline.

Injury worry for Argentina here as Di Maria - who has been in the wars a little so far - goes down and stays down. There is movement on the bench from Lavezzi, but it looks as though Di Maria will try to run it off.

It doesn't look like Di Maria will be able to continue after all. It is a devastating end to the tournament for the Manchester United man, who had played so well up to this point after such a difficult season at club level.

ARGENTINA SUB: There is the change as Di Maria limps off with a hamstring injury to be replaced by Ezequiel Lavezzi.

Brilliant from Sanchez as he twists and turns away from a number of blue and white shirts before setting off up the field. He eventually lends the ball to Beausejour outside him, but the full-back cannot get his cross away.

Again Sanchez does well to escape Argentine attention, this time from Demichelis. The move continues and the ball eventually drops to Sanchez inside the box, but he is immediately surrounded and can't get a shot away.

YELLOW CARD! Medel goes into the book for a wild kick on Messi when competing for a dropping ball that he was never going to get. No complaints with that decision.

Argentina's best chance so far has come from a set piece, and they win another corner here that causes Chile a couple of problems before they are able to get it clear.

These two sides are wrestling for control of this match right now. It is an even affair at this point, but you get the feeling that that could all change in one second considering the quality that is out on the field at the moment.

This really has been an intriguing final so far. Argentina are yet to carve out a chance from open play, with Chile having the better openings in that regard so far, but despite the lack of clear-cut chances it has been an absorbing encounter.

It is getting more physical now, with Biglia the latest to send an opponent crashing to the ground. Medel wants a yellow card for the Argentine, but the referee waves away the protests.

YELLOW CARD! Speaking of yellow cards, Diaz becomes the third name in the book for a blatant shirt tug on Messi as the Barcelona man threatened to race away.

SAVE! Sanchez looks to give Chile the perfect end to the half as he picks the ball up on the left side of the area before cutting inside and curling an effort towards goal. It is easy for Romero, however, who collects it with minimal fuss.

CHANCE! At the other end, Argentina have their first clear chance from open play. Pastore bursts to the byline down the left channel before cutting back on himself and playing a pass back to Lavezzi. The sub has space to pick his spot, but places his effort straight at Bravo, who beats it away.

HALF TIME: Chile 0-0 Argentina

The referee brings an end to the first half here in Santiago, and despite it still being goalless, Chile and Argentina have served up an entertaining final so far. The half certainly started at a quick tempo and it developed into a fascinating battle between these two teams. This one could go either way with at least 45 minutes remaining.

Clear chances have been relatively few and far between, with Chile having the first following a bright start from the hosts. The ball dropped to Vidal in the box following a poor clearance from Demichelis, and the Juventus man produced a good volley towards the bottom corner that Romero did really well to get down and save.

Vargas had earlier flashed one shot narrowly wide moments before that chance, and he had another opening later in the half having been released by a long ball forward over the defence. He only had the keeper to beat, but the angle was slightly against him and he had defenders closing in, so it was by no means an easy chance. Even so, he would have been disappointed with his finish having blazed the shot well over.

Perhaps the best chances of the half have fallen the way of Argentina, though. They came close in the 20th minute when Messi lifted a dangerous free kick into the box that Aguero got his head to at the front post. The City man was only six yards or so away from goal, but his header was straight at the keeper, who was able to make the save.

Argentina manufactured another good chance right at the end of the half when the ball was teed up for Lavezzi inside the Chile box, but with a yard of space to work with, the sub - who had earlier replaced an injured Di Maria - placed an effort straight at Bravo. Moments before that Chile had also created a shooting opportunity, but Sanchez's curling effort was easy for Romero.

Chile have probably just edged the match so far, with their energy preventing Argentina from getting into any sort of rhythm. However, it is questionable whether the hosts have much more to give, while you feel that the visitors still have a few gears to go through. The big question in this second half is whether Chile can continue to contain Argentina's most dangerous players.

KICKOFF: Chile get us back underway in Santiago as they look to create history by winning the Copa America for the first time. Can they do it on home soil, or will Argentina end their own 22-year wait for international honours?

CHANCE! Another quick start to the half from Chile as Sanchez pounces to win the ball from Otamendi on the edge of the Argentinian box. He is forced wider than he might like but still manages to stand a cross up to the back post, where Vidal plants a header into the arms of Romero.

It was important that Chile started this second half brightly, and they have done that so far. If they can continue to keep Argentina on the back foot then they will go a long way towards winning this match.

The fans are beginning to get on the referee's back a little here due to no Argentine players being in the book so far. There have been a few niggly challenges from the visitors, but nothing really worthy of a booking so far.

I mentioned before the match that whoever manages to control possession could well have the upper hand in this game, and that has been Chile so far. Argentina have largely been limited to counter-attacks, whereas the hosts have been building their attacks patiently.

Really good football from Chile as they play their way out of defence despite some heavy pressing from Argentina.

YELLOW CARD! That Chilean move is brought to an end by a heavy challenge from Rojo, who becomes the first Argentinian in the referee's book as a result.

YELLOW CARD! ...and he is swiftly followed by Mascherano, who is shown a yellow card for a handball.

Argentina win a corner and Lavezzi swings a dangerous ball into the box that two blue and white shirts rise to meet. It is Otamendi who gets his head to it, but he can only glance an effort wide of the target.

It is Argentina who are beginning to apply a bit of pressure now as they win a couple of corners in quick succession. The first goal in this game is looking increasingly important as the seconds tick by here.

Decent chance for Argentina to create a goalscoring opening as Pastor slides a clever pass inside the full-back for Zabaleta, who has made a relatively rare run forward. His cross is disappointing, however, as he puts the ball straight out of play.

Trouble for Chile! A slick Argentina attack comes to an end when Vidal hacks Messi to ground from behind, handing the visitors a free kick in a very dangerous position...

...but the wall does its job as Messi's effort deflects out for a corner.

Almost a chance for Chile as Sanchez skips away from Otamendi, who went to ground with his challenge and was beaten far too easily. The Arsenal man fires a cross over to the left side of the area, but Zabaleta makes a good block to deny Vidal's effort.

Great work from Aguero as he chases the defence down to win the ball back and earn his side a throw in an attacking position. All of his hard work is quickly undone when Rojo produces a foul throw, though, gifting possession back to the hosts.

Still goalless with 20 minutes remaining here, but the game remains on a knife edge. It is such an even game and I would not like to call a winner at this stage! It really could go either way right now.

Big concern for Chile as Vidal goes down having been caught by Demichelis while the defender was clearing the ball. He is driven off on the stretcher, but is now walking about on the touchline. It would be a surprise if he was unable to continue after something so innocuous.

ARGENTINA SUB: The visitors make their second change of the night, and it is an interesting one as Gonzalo Higuain replaces Aguero.

CHILE SUB: Chile make a change of their own as Matias Fernandez comes on in place of Valdivia.

Good spell for Chile here as they begin to build some sustained pressure on the Argentine defence. They send a few testing crosses into the box that Argentina just about deal with, before the ball rolls behind for a goal kick following a poor touch from Sanchez.

Just over 10 minutes left, and the two teams are beginning to play like they don't want to lose it at this stage, rather than going all out for the win. Penalties await if it stays like this...

ARGENTINA SUB: A third and final change for Argentina as Pastore is replaced by Ever Banega for the closing stages of this match.

CHANCE! It could take a moment of magic to separate these two sides, and Sanchez very nearly provides it. The ball is lifting to the Arsenal man inside the box, and he catches a difficult volley sweetly, only to send it a yard or so past the far post.

Rojo goes diving into a challenge that sends his man rolling around the floor. Immediately the referee is surrounded by red shirts pleading for a second yellow card, but the official does well to keep a cool head under pressure.

Argentina finally have the ball in the back of the net...but it won't count. It was Lavezzi who finished it smartly having been sent through on goal by Messi, but the linesman's flag is correctly raised.

YELLOW CARD! Aranguiz becomes the sixth name in the book for a frustrated challenge from behind. Once again, no complaints there.

Argentina have a penalty shout as Rojo is dragged to ground inside the box when looking to get on the end of Messi's free kick. By the letter of the law, that is a foul, but it is the sort that is so rarely given by referees - particularly against the home nation in the 90th minute of a Copa America final!

There will be two minutes of added time at the end of this match. Can either side prevent this one from going to extra time and then perhaps penalties?

CHANCE! Huge chance for Argentina to steal it in the dying seconds! Messi finally finds some space by dancing away from two red shirts before sliding the ball through to Lavezzi in space on his left. The PSG man decides to play it across the face of goal rather than going for a shot himself, but his pass leaves Higuain just too much to do at the back post and he can only bundle it into the side-netting! Argentina really should have scored there!

END OF 90 MINUTES: Chile 0-0 Argentina

The 90 minutes passes goalless in the 2015 Copa America final, so Chile and Argentina will go to extra time in Santiago. Argentina had the best chance of the match right at the death there, but they couldn't make the most of it. In truth, neither side can say they deserved to win that inside 90 minutes after what was a very even match. Argentina haven't been at their best, but Chile have done a very good job of stopping them from playing too.

KICKOFF: Argentina get us back underway for the extra 30 minutes as they look to finally put Chile to bed following that late missed chance in normal time.

YELLOW CARD! It didn't take long for the first booking of extra time as Banega is cautioned for a cynical challenge.

CHILE SUB: The hosts make their second change of the match as Vargas is replaced by Angelo Henriquez.

Poor from Higuain as he picks the ball up from Messi before trying to thread a pass through to Lavezzi. He plays the ball far too early, however, and puts too much on it, sending it through to the keeper.

SHOT! None of the recognised strikers have found a way through so far, so Diaz tries his luck striding forward. He exchanges passes with a teammate before turning and curling an effort towards goal that goes high and wide of the target.

The match is getting a little stop-start at the moment. In truth, it hasn't had much of a flow since half time in normal time. The second half was intriguing but never really got going beyond Chile's fast start.

This one is screaming out for a moment of magic. There are no shortages of players capable of providing it out there, but so far that telling moment of quality has not materialised.

Worrying one for Argentina as he pulls up with no opposition player around him. The visitors have used up all three of their subs, remember, so they will be hoping that it is just cramp.

CHANCE! Chance for Chile to finally break the deadlock! Mascherano is the man at fault as he lets Sanchez through on goal, failing to cut out a long ball forward. Sanchez carries the ball down the right channel, but fires his effort over the top with another defender coming round to cover.

Mascherano appears to have picked up an injury in the process of that missed interception, but it looks like he will try to battle through the pain for the remainder of this match. It is either that or Argentina going down to 10 men having used all of their subs.

HALF TIME IN EXTRA TIME: Chile 0-0 Argentina

KICKOFF: Following a quick turnaround we're back underway for the final 15 minutes here! Can anyone make themselves a hero or will we go all the way to penalties?

Both sets of players are looking very tired right now, but it is Argentina who appear to be struggling the most. This has been a real battle between these two sides.

Messi loses the ball on the edge of the Chile area and the hosts immediately look to break, despite their tired legs. They come forward ominously, but their move is ended when the linesman's flag is correctly raised. Not it is the Chilean players who are beginning to cramp up. This is as much about will power as ability now.

The game is getting a little stretched now, which is really going to test the players' legs in these final stages. It is a war of attrition right now, and it looks like ending in a stalemate.

SHOT! One long ball up from the keeper almost beats the entire Argentina defence as Vidal nearly finds himself through on goal, but his touch is just a little off. He still manages to recycle the ball and tee up Aranguiz, but his effort is too high.

It's all very frantic right now as a degree of desperation begins to enter the game. Fernandez wins the ball off Messi with a fine challenge before being felled by Otamendi, but the referee is again lenient and opts against producing his card.

Just two minutes remain in this Copa America final, and still we're goalless. It is Chile who have the ball up the right end of the field as far as they are concerned at the moment, but it is looking like penalties will be needed to separate these two.

Or will we have penalties? Messi wins a free kick in a dangerous position...

It was too far out for a shot, but they opt for a short pass instead of putting it into the box, which comes to nothing.

END OF EXTRA TIME: Chile 0-0 Argentina

Penalties it is! These two sides couldn't be separated over 120 exhausting minutes in Santiago, so the 2015 Copa America title will be decided from the spot. Remember, Argentina have already won one shootout in this season's competition, but the hero on that occasion - Carlos Tevez - will play no part tonight.

So, who will hold their nerve here? Both sets of players look so tired that fatigue could still play a part, while the home crowd - who have been incredibly noisy all night - could also play a part.

Chile are first up in the shootout...

Matias Fernandez scores!

Lionel Messi scores!

Arturo Vidal scores!

Gonzalo Higuain misses!

Dreadful penalty from Higuain as he blazes his effort well over the bar!

Charles Aranguiz scores!

Ever Banega misses! Claudio Bravo saves the penalty to put Chile on the verge of the title!

Alexis Sanchez scores!

FULL TIME: Chile 0-0 Argentina (Chile win 4-1 on penalties)

CHILE WIN THE 2015 COPA AMERICA!

Jubilant scenes at the Estadio Nacional as hosts Chile finally end their long wait for a major international title! They do it on home soil to make it even more special, and it is hard to begrudge them the success. They more than held their own against Argentina this evening and, out of the two teams, probably deserve this victory. Argentina, meanwhile, once again miss out on ending their own 22-year drought following an underwhelming performance.

Higuain may well be the villain for Argentina following his miss in the dying stages of normal time, followed by a truly dreadful penalty in the shootout. In truth, none of their big names turned up today, with Messi being subdued by a fine Chilean performance. Not even he could come up with the moment of magic needed today.

Sanchez, the golden boy of Chilean football, was the man to clinch the victory with a cheeky Panenka - albeit not a perfectly executed one - but it was a team performance that won this trophy for the Chileans. It is the greatest night in the country's football history and this crop of players will be forever remembered as the team who finally brought the Copa America title to Chile.

That is all we have time for tonight! Thank you very much for joining Sports Mole for tonight's Copa America final as Chile make history with victory over Argentina on penalties. I will leave you with our match report, and be sure to stick around for reaction. From me, though, it is goodbye for now!

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Argentina's forward and captain Lionel Messi celebrates after scoring his team's second goal during the Group F football match between Argentina and Bosnia Hercegovina at the Maracana Stadium in Rio De Janeiro during the 2014 FIFA World Cup on June 15, 20
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Tables header RHS

Group A

TeamPWDLPTS
Q Argentina Argentina33009
Q Canada Canada31114
3 Chile Chile30212
4 Peru flag Peru30121

Group B

TeamPWDLPTS
Q Venezuela Venezuela33009
Q Ecuador flag Ecuador31114
3 Mexico Mexico31114
4 Jamaica Jamaica30030

Group C

TeamPWDLPTS
Q Uruguay flag Uruguay33009
Q Panama flag Panama32016
3 United States USA31023
4 Bolivia flag Bolivia30030

Group D

TeamPWDLPTS
Q Colombia Colombia32107
Q Brazil Brazil31205
3 Costa Rica flag Costa Rica31114
4 Paraguay flag Paraguay30030


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