Sunday, November 17, 2024

COPA watch: Seventh heaven for Alexis & Chile

Alexis Sanchez and David Ospina will face each other in the semi-finals of the Copa America Centenario after Chile smashed Mexico 7-0 at Levi’s Stadium in California.

Mexico, who entered the game on the back of a 22-game unbeaten run and with fervent backing in the stands, were torn apart from the off as Edson Puch gave Chile the lead on 16 minutes.

Eduardo Vargas doubled the lead on 43 minutes thanks to an Alexis assist, then the Arsenal man got in on the act himself four minutes after the break.

Alexis again assisted Vargas on 52 minutes before the ex-QPR man completed a remarkable hat trick five minutes later. The goals kept on flowing for Chile, Vargas grabbing his fourth on 74 minutes and Puch rounding things off late on.

Full highlights below…

Argentina will face USA in the first semi-final in Houston on Tuesday night. Chile and Colombia battle it out at Chicago’s Soldier Field stadium on Wednesday. The final will be played on Sunday 26 June at MetLife Stadium…the way it’s shaping up it could well be a repeat of last year’s finale.

Related articles

Comments

Subscribe
Notify of
guest

24 Comments
oldest
newest most voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Paul

Our Alexis well played mate!

newxieland

Decent performances from Arsenal players at the Copa and Euro so far.

Wilshere could do with more minutes and not sure about Ramsey being a blond. Thankfully no injuries to our key players.

Fabulous

Ramsey’s tracking (and tackling) back is nice to see. But he still holds on to the ball far too long when in possession. For someone with decent passing range I’m not sure why he insists on dribbling through the entire opposition team. And failing most times. If he can just stick to basics.

Goon

That was my criticism of Alexis last season. Held on to the ball far too long.

Perry S.

if you watched Alexis prior to Arsenal, that was the biggest knock against him. losing the ball in the middle of the pitch due to not finding the pass and trying to do too much on his own.

Perry S.

that’s because Ramsey is unbelievably selfish.

Cliff Bastin

Rumours suggest Mexico are about to make a substitution.

TOGooner

Alexis was absolutely immense. Vargas may have had four but 7 played a key role in the buildup for pretty much all of them. He was on a different level to other players. Happened about three times where Alexis is standing still with the ball close to the opposition box surrounded by defenders just waiting for him to do something. Twice it resulted in a goal.
Also, Mexico gave their worst second half performance ever. Comparable to Arsenal’s play in the 8-2 and Brazil’s first half in the 7-1

A Different George

Agree completely, except that maybe Vidal is also on that level. Alexis was like himself and Ozil in one. No umlaut though.

Cagooner

I was at the game last night. Wearing my Alexis Arsenal shirt. Great experience. Chile absolutely crushed them. Alexis and Vidal were two classes above everyone else on the field. And you’re right – Alexis competitive edge is hilarious – he was desperate to get more goals even when winning 5-0. Mid way through the second half the 70,000 Mexico fans were all Olle’ing the Chile passing – good humor I thought.

Mississippi Gunner

Chile were absolutely breathtaking. They shredded Mexico with one touch passing in every possession, and then pressed super effectively when Mexico had the ball. Mexico just didn’t stand a chance. The most entertaining thing, for me, was Alexis sprinting on the counter attack at 6-0. He was actually cracking me up how desperate he was to get another goal. Typical Sanchez

Arsenalnut

What had me cracking up was the announcer on Univision on the sixth goal. Alexis took an outlet pass on the sideline and started sprinting with the ball between two Mexican defenders. The announcer, ” Hi Ho Silver, away!”. Spit up my beer. Giggled for 2 minutes. I want that guy back. That was a Lone Ranger reference, by the way. You Tube it if not an American (baby) boomer.

Paul
Arsenalnut

Thank you. It was a long time ago. Alexis moved as well as Silver last night. What a motor he has!

sauce

I’ve watched this tournament before.. Alexis ‘panenkaed’ the winning penalty against argentina..

Cracked

Somebody remind me why they’re playing the copa America again? Didn’t they have one just last summer? I thought these sort of cups only happened every 4 years?

It’s all well and good for Chile, but call me selfish, I find it a bit concerning that one of our best players doesn’t get any real time of in two years.

On the same vein I always found the African cup of nations always took the biscuit by having the tournament in the middle of the club season.

Qatar winter World Cup can do one as well.

Matt Sommer

Well, money. And the fact that this is the 100th anniversary of when the tournament started (1916-2016). The full name of the tournament is “Copa America Centenario.”

RosickyLegend7

I think along with a proven world-class striker we should have a look at Vargas. Impressed for QPR during the 2014-15 season and would be available at a good price as his form for Hoffenheim wasn’t great last season. Also links up with Sanchez really well and could play a part in him extending his contract.

Andrés

At least Vargas is faster than giroud, and make header goals as well

Giroud's Buldge

Giroud scored the highest proportion of headed goals of any striker in Europe, just last season.

Andrés

Don’t get me wrong, I like Giroud. But it’s not bad to have attack alternatives. Remember the french man was months injured

Lula da Gilberto

I used to be a huge fan and I know this is not a popular opinion,but I think Ramsey has looked fairly average throughout this tournament, in contrast to other Arsenal players. Given he always makes clear his desire to play in Spain, desire the huge, huge -though regrettable – gulf in talent between him and Bale, compounded, -though only marginally, the Galactico-looking haircut, I would be fairly tempted to listen to offers for Ramsey this summer. I loved him in 2013. But I hate the way the whole team seems at time to require calivrating for him to give… Read more »

Jimbo Jones

Where Ramsey has really impressed in the Euros is with his work rate and assumption of responsibility for Wales. I have seen the criticism of him on social media but as both a proud Wales and an Arsenal fan I have been really happy with the commitment has put in for the team, his defensive contribution, and his willingness to take risks to at least try and make things happen. Make no mistake he has covered every blade of grass and has been integral to Wales being competitive so far. Where Ramsey frustrates? For Wales, like Arsenal, he finds himself… Read more »

locksley444

Thank god you’re not in the position to be ‘listening to offers”

Share article

Featured on NewsNow

Support Arseblog

Latest posts

Latest Arsecast

24
0
Would love your thoughts, please comment.x
()
x