Chile had goalkeeper Claudio Bravo to thank for securing a 0-0 draw against Peru in their Copa America opener on Friday in a result that left Group A wide open.
The teams nullified each other in a bruising first half that was low on quality, with the best chance falling to Chile’s Alexis Sanchez in the 15th minute, but the attacker sent his shot over the bar after making an intelligent run into the six-yard box.
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Jorge Fossati’s Peru came out with intent in the second half and created a number of promising opportunities, but Chile’s Bravo pulled off a string of saves to keep the scores level, including a remarkable double save to deny Gianluca Lapadula and Paolo Guerrero.
His performance in goal made it an even more special night for the former Barcelona and Manchester City goalkeeper, who at 41 years, 2 months and 16 days became the oldest-ever Copa America player.
The teams were left with a point each, trailing Group A leaders Argentina by two following the defending champions’ 2-0 win over Canada on Thursday.
Elsewhere in Group A, Canada Soccer said they were in touch with the sport’s governing bodies after one of their players received racist abuse online following their 2-0 loss to Argentina in the Copa America opener on Thursday.
Canada Soccer did not reveal the player’s name but centre back Moise Bombito received abuse online following a crunching tackle on Lionel Messi where he caught the Argentina skipper on the ankle.
“Canada Soccer is aware of and deeply disturbed by racist comments made online and directed at one of our men’s national team players following tonight’s match,” it said in a statement. “We are in communication with CONCACAF and CONMEBOL about this matter,” it said, referring to the soccer governing bodies for the Americas.
Argentina’s victory with goals from Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez gave the defending champions three points while Canada are bottom of Group A.
