Chile retained their Copa America title at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on Sunday evening, as they faced off in a replay of last year’s finals against Argentina. Things were not too different this time around as well, as the game did not produce any goals not just in normal time, but in extra-time too. The only controversy was a couple of red cards in the first half, which saw a player from either side being sent off. Marcelo Diaz was booked twice within a span of 12 minutes and was dismissed in the 28th minute of the game, while Marcos Rojo was off for an early shower in the 43rd minute with a direct red.
Both sending offs seemed harsh, though it eventually settled down the two South American teams, who were quite aggressive in the first half. Some good chances were squandered by both sides right till the very end, as the game went into a penalty shootout.
The defending champions eventually kept their nerves and won 4-2 in spot-kicks to lift the title once again. Alexis Sanchez was awarded the Golden Ball and the Arsenal man made his country proud once again.
Though the 27 year old winger did not score in the final and was taken off in the 104th minute of the game which meant he did not take part in the shootout, the attacker played his part well right through the tournament.
The former Barcelona star scored three goals and claimed an assist for his side, in their triumph once again and looked really impressive right through. He has a tally of 34 goals in 100 appearances for Chile and will now want to some titles with the Gunners in the upcoming campaign.
If the forward can keep up such performances and stay fit right through the season, the north London outfit will surely be big-time contenders for not just the top flight of English football, but other cup competitions as well.
Sanchez missed quite a few games in the previous campaign due to injury, after manager Arsene Wenger overused him and did not give him sufficient rest, which resulted in the player being sidelined with an injury. The French manager will not want to repeat that this time around and is looking to sign more players this summer.
If the player is used in the best way possible and given enough time to recover, he will avoid problems such as fatigue and can use his ability to propel his side to the top. Sanchez made 41 appearances for Arsenal in all competitions last season, with 17 goals and 9 assists to his name, which helped his side finish in second spot in the Premier League points table.
The player used his pace, passing and dribbling skills to trouble all the opposition defences that he was up against and it will be quite interesting to see now, whether or not his good form for the national team, can reflect at the club level.