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Chile, Argentina Cruise into the Knockout Round of Copa América

On Tuesday, the Group Stage of the Copa America Centenario concluded and set up the four quarterfinal match-ups for the next round.

Argentina took care of business against lowly Bolivia with a comprehensive 3-0 victory. It was nothing much more than a formality really. They are the No. 1 team in the world for a reason. None of the three goals were worth hollering about. The main highlight of the night was a vicious nutmeg Lionel Messi pulled off after coming on as a halftime sub.

Unfortunately the play was whistled offside, but it was impressive nonetheless. Argentina go a perfect 3 for 3 in the group to win it and advance to play Venezuela in the Quarterfinals.

The real drama of the night played out for the runner-up spot in Group D. Panama and Chile both entered the final match having won one and lost one. Even with three points, it’d be a winner-take-all situation.

Chile are the defending champions of the tournament were rightfully favored over the CONCACAF side, but it would be Panama who struck first.

Miguel Camargo’s long range shot in the 5th minute knuckled and fooled Claudio Bravo enough that the Barcelona keeper could only deflect it into his own net. The surprising lead would only last for 10 minutes as Chile rebounded really well. Eduardo Vargas tapped in a rebound to equalize.

On the stroke of halftime Vargas would get his brace and pull his side into the lead with a beautiful snap header that rocketed into the bottom corner of the net.

Arsenal’s Alexis Sanchez would extend the lead to 3-1 just five minutes after the halftime break. His stunning full volley into the roof of the net will go down as one of the best goals of the group stage.

He would grab a brace of his own to make it 4-2 after Panama pulled a goal back to make Chile sweat. Sanchez looked like a world-class striker with this expertly placed header.

Chile advance to the quarterfinals to set up undoubted the the tie of the round with Mexico. That should be a very entertianing match. The quarterfinals kickoff on Thursday night when the USA take on Ecuador.

Thursday

  • United States vs. Ecuador, 9:30 p.m. ET – Fox Sports 1 and UniMas (Quarterfinals)

Friday

  • Peru vs. Colombia, 8:00 p.m. ET – Fox Sports 1 and UniMas (Quarterfinals)

Saturday

  • Argentina vs. Venezuela, 7:00 p.m. ET – FX and Univision
  • Mexico vs. Chile, 10:00 p.m. ET – FX and Univision

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This post first appeared on Soccer Blog | Top Corner, please read the originial post: here

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Chile, Argentina Cruise into the Knockout Round of Copa América

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