Alexis seals it as Chile reach semi-finals

Adam Bostock
by
Adam Bostock

Alexis Sanchez was his country's Copa America hero once again on Friday night, when the Manchester United forward scored the winning penalty in a shootout win over Colombia.

Chile triumphed 5-4 on spot-kicks when the Reds' no.7 stepped up to coolly convert after William Tesillo put his effort wide for the opposition, who are coached by former United assistant manager Carlos Queiroz and had ex-Reds forward Radamel Falcao in their ranks.

The eagerly awaited quarter-final clash at Corinthians Arena in Sao Paulo failed to deliver a goal in normal time, although the eventual victors had strikes from Charles Aranguiz - with Alexis caught offside - and Arturo Vidal ruled out by VAR decisions.
Alexis Sanchez celebrates with his Chile team-mates after scoring the winning penalty against Colombia in the Copa America quarter-finals
Alexis celebrates with his Chile team-mates after scoring the winning penalty against Colombia.
It was meant to be a stern test of Chile's credentials as they chase a third consecutive Copa America trophy, after winning the 2015 and 2016 finals on penalties. In both cases they beat Argentina and another meeting could be on the cards next month, after Lionel Messi and company beat Venezuela 2-0 in their last-eight tie thanks to goals from Lautaro Martinez and Giovani Lo Celso.
Argentina will now face the hosts Brazil in Tuesday's blockbuster semi-final, before Alexis's excellent tournament continues with a clash against either Uruguay or Peru on Wednesday.

United's Chilean star was declared the best player in the group stage after scoring one goal and assisting another in the opening win over Japan and netting the winner at Ecuador's expense.

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