Practice makes perfect for Eduardo Vargas as Chile down Peru to reach Copa America final
Eduardo Vargas scored twice as Chile downed fierce rivals Peru 2-1 on Monday to reach the Copa America final for the first time in nearly 30 years.
Vargas, who endured a miserable season on loan at relegated English Premier League side Queens Park Rangers, lashed in a stunning 64th-minute strike as the hosts advanced to the final for the first time since 1987.
Vargas had given Chile a controversial lead after 42 minutes, prodding home from close range after the referee’s assistant failed to spot a fractional offside.
I’ve been practising shooting from long range in training and doing quite well with them, so when I found myself in that position I had the confidence to shoot
Peru, who played most of the match with 10 men after Carlos Zambrano was sent off for a reckless challenge on Charles Aranguiz after 20 minutes, came back bravely to force an equaliser through a Gary Medel own goal in the 60th minute.
But Vargas, who also had a legitimate goal wrongly ruled out for offside early in the second half, restored Chile’s lead with a contender for goal of the tournament.
The 25-year-old picked up a loose ball in midfield, surged forward and unleashed a ferocious dipping 30-yard effort that flew into the top corner past Peru goalkeeper Pedro Gallese.
Vargas revealed he had been practising long-range shots. “I’ve been practising shooting from long range in training and doing quite well with them, so when I found myself in that position I had the confidence to shoot,” Vargas told Chilean television. “I’m very happy that we’re in the final.”
The latest instalment of Chile and Peru’s long football rivalry – known as the “Clasico del Pacifico” – burst into life after only four minutes, when Chile’s Arturo Vidal tangled angrily with Zambrano.
Vidal was fortunate to escape at least a booking for thrusting a hand in Zambrano’s face as tempers threatened to boil over.
Moments later, Venezuelan referee Jose Argota moved to nip the tensions in the bud, showing Zambrano a yellow card for tugging down Arsenal star Alexis Sanchez.
The match turned in the 20th minute after Zambrano’s dismissal.
The centre-half was given his marching orders after catching Charles Aranguiz with an ugly studs-up challenge as he followed through after a clearance.
