Chile 4 – 2 Panama. Chile knocks out Panama.

Lincoln Financial Field Philadelphia

Chile 4-2 Panama

Group D Copa America Centenario

Thanks to Bolivia, both teams were coming to this match with 3 points to their name. A better goal difference placed Chile in the quarter-finals, but a loss in this match would have sent them out of the competition.

This was a match to decide who was going to go along with Argentina into the knockout stage. A draw was enough for Chile, nothing but a win will save Panama.

With that knowledge, things started really well for Panama. Claudio Bravo couldn’t handle a long low shot from Panama’s Miguel Camargo. 5 minutes into the match and Panama was 1-0 up and quarterfinal bound.

Chile responded as any defending champion should by pushing more offensively for an equalizer. They got their answer 10 minutes later when Eduardo Vargas followed up on Alexis Sanchez shot that was parried away by J.Penedo.

A draw was fine for Chile, but they knew the possible danger of not scoring goals to protect yourself. Brazil will tell you more about that.

Vargas double his goals in the 43rd minute. He scored a header to give Chile the lead.

Five minutes after restart Alexis Sanchez got on the score sheet. Chile was running away with it.

Claudio Bravo couldn’t control Abdiel Arroyo’ header in the 75th minute, allowing him to  pulled one back for Panama.

Chile was comfortable after they took the lead, and there wasn’t a doubt about their advancement from Group D.

Alexis Sanchez scored a late header in the 89th minute to end the scoring for the night.

Chile eliminated Panama, as they move on with Argentina.