East Rutherford, New Jersey: Chile defeated Argentina via penalty shootout to win the Copa America Centenario football tournament on Sunday thereby defending their crown at the Metlife Stadium here.
After both the teams failed to score in regulation and extra time, the final clash was extended to penalty shootout to decide the winner. Chile repeated last year final’s history registering a 4-2 victory over Argentina as Lionel Messi and Lucas Biglia’s kicks missed the goal post.
The penalty shootout had begun in promising fashion for Argentina as their goalkeeper Sergio Romero dived the correct way to deny Arturo Vidal off Chile's first attempt.
Argentine talisman Lionel Messi immediately returned the compliment, sending his attempt flying high over the bar.
Chile goalkeeper Claudio Bravo then guessed correctly to palm away Lucas Biglia's. Francisco Silvo stepped forward to send Romero the wrong way as the Chile players and fans burst into raucous celebrations.
It was heartbreak for Argentina as they lost in the final of a major tournament for the third successive year
They were edged out by Germany in the 2014 World Cup and by Chile via penalty shootout in last year's Copa America.
(With IANS inputs)
