Coach Gerardo Martino has said that Argentina paid the penalty for missed opportunities following last night's Copa America final defeat to Chile.

Ninety minutes and extra-time failed to separate the pair in Santiago after a 0-0 scoreline as a penalty shootout was needed to determine the winner.

Gonzalo Higuain and Ever Banega both missed their spot-kicks, before Alexis Sanchez nonchalantly tucked home the winner to give La Roja the title with a 4-1 win.

However, the Albiceleste had a number of clear chances in regulation, including one at the death, and Martino believes that the result could have been different.

"We had clear chances that should have changed the outcome before penalties," he is quoted as saying by AS.

"They were very clear situations. We have plenty of room for improvement, to keep growing. I think we did well in this Copa America."

Victory represented Chile's first ever Copa America title, while Argentina are now 22 years without a senior triumph.

Written by
Shane Callaghan