Chile continue impressive rise
SPIRIT AND ATTITUDE THE PERFECT RECIPE Bravo heroics the cherry on the cake for South American champions.
Chile’s indestructible team spirit and unyielding attitude have laid the foundations for a hugely successful run that will see them contest a third straight international final at the Confederations Cup.
Claudio Bravo proved Chile’s hero on Wednesday as the Manchester City goalkeeper saved all three penalties to eliminate Portugal in a semifinal shootout following a 0-0 draw after extra time in Kazan.
“That was unbelievably stressful,” admitted the 34-year-old Bravo, as Chile won 3-0 on penalties to set up a showdown on Sunday with Germany or Mexico.
“This team never gives up, which means we can achieve great things like this.”
While Bravo showed nerves of steel, his team-mates transformed iron will into cool composure as Arturo Vidal, Charles Aranguiz and Alexis Sanchez calmly converted their spot-kicks.
With the European champions vanquished, Chile are eager for a potential rematch with world champions Germany as they attempt to add the Confederations Cup trophy to their 2015 and 2016 Copa America titles in Saint Petersburg.
“That was a crazy end, the first penalty is always the most important,” said Vidal, who buried Chile’s opening spot-kick just inside the post.
“We fought like crazy and now we hope we can face Germany in the final and also win.”
Chile qualified for Russia as South American champions, ahead of Argentina and Brazil – winners of the Confederations Cup in 1997, 2005, 2009 and 2013.
Chile ended a 99-year wait for a maiden Copa America title in 2015, defeating Argentina on penalties, before retaining their crown a year later in a special centenary edition.