Alexis Sanchez, Arturo Vidal, and Eduardo Vargas. On many occasions Chile’s three-headed monster have been asked to bail their national side out of some sticky situations. Tuesday night was another example of this as the three combined to erase an early defensive lapse and push Chile past Panama and into the Quarterfinal stage of the Copa America Centenario.

Panama struck first in the fifth minute with a an early squeaker from midfielder Miguel Camargo. But Chile would counter quickly with Vargas adding two in the 15th and 43rd minutes respectively.

Sanchez would extend the lead to 3-1 with a sublime half volley from a chip by Vargas. Panama would narrow the lead to 3-2 in the 70th minute off of a defensive miscue by the Chilean defense. But Abdiel Arroyo’s goal would only provide a temporary respite for the Panamanian supporters at Lincoln Financial Field as Sanchez would head home Chile’s fourth and decisive goal in the 89th minute.

With the victory, Chile secures second place in Group D. They will face Mexico on Saturday at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California with a shot to make the semifinals of the Copa America Centenario. Chile are the defending Copa America champions.

 

MATCH SUMMARY

Chile- Claudio Bravo, Mauricio Isla, Jose Fuenzalida, Jean Beausejour (Edson Puch 60′), Arturo Vidal, Gary Medel, Charles Araguiz, Marcelo Diaz, Alexis Sanchez, and Eduardo Vargas

Goals-Vargas (15′, 43′), and Sanchez (50′, 89′)

Yellow Card- Isla (90’+2′)

 

 

Panama-  Jaime Penedo, Miguel Camargo, Harold Cummings, Adolfo Machado, Luis Henriquez, Alberto Quintero (Ricardo Buitrago 71′), Amilcar Henriquez, Roderick Miller, Gabriel Gomez, Luis Tejada ( Gabriel Torres 45′) and Roberto Nurse (Abdiel Arroyo 46′)

Goals- Camargo (5′) and Arroyo (73′)

Yellow Cards- Camargo (52′), Cummings (72′), and Henriquez (78′)

 

ATTENDANCE : 27, 260