Peru 0-0 Chile: Chile and Peru settle for goalless draw in Copa America opener

Chile and Peru missed the chance to take a big step toward Copa America quarter-final qualification on Friday night, playing out a dour 0-0 draw in their Group A opener in Arlington, Texas.

The teams, each with two Copa America titles, were hoping to join Argentina on three points following the defending champions' 2-0 victory over Canada, whose qualification hopes were also boosted by the draw.

The stalemate reflected Chile and Peru's struggles in CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifying, where they have combined for only four goals in 12 games.

Chile's Alexis Sanchez squandered the game's best chance in the 16th minute.

The former Inter Milan and Arsenal forward squandered a golden opportunity when he received Victor Davila's low cross in the six-yard box, only to send his shot over the crossbar.

"They started aggressively. I had two chances and this is the Copa America and you have to make them," Sanchez said.

"We were imprecise in our passes, we played only one game before coming here."

Chile demonstrated more attacking flair but failed to complete the crucial final pass in a first half marred by injuries, with Peru's Luis Advincula replaced in the 35th minute and Chilean midfielder Diego Valdes replaced at halftime.

In the 43rd minute, Peru's Miguel Araujo nearly broke the deadlock, forcing Chile keeper Claudio Bravo into an acrobatic save with a well-connected header from Sergio Pena's free kick.

Despite Peru's striker Gianluca Lapadula creating the most dangerous moments of the second half, he was unable to seriously challenge Bravo.

His most promising chance came in the 57th minute, when a deflection fell to him, but he slipped and fired a weak shot that Bravo easily saved.

In the 79th minute, his volley from Pena's corner forced Bravo to make another save, and the goalkeeper recovered the rebound just in time to prevent a second attempt.

"I think we played a great game and, with that attitude, we can take any game forward," Lapadula said.

"The first half was much more defensive and the second much more offensive. I had two clear chances and we have to keep working like that. I think we played a great game and it will be our start."

Bravo's goalkeeping performance capped a memorable night for the former Barcelona and Manchester City goalkeeper, who at 41 years, 2 months and 16 days became the Copa America's oldest player.

Chile will face group leaders Argentina in New Jersey on Tuesday, while Peru will play Canada in Kansas City.

SportsLigue