Bravo for City keeper as Chile reach final
Chile head coach Juan Antonio Pizzi lauded Claudio Bravo for the goalkeeper’s heroics in the penalty shootout victory over Portugal which secured a place in the Confederations Cup final.
Last night’s semi-final was goalless at the end of extra time and much-maligned Manchester City goalkeeper Bravo saved all three of the spot-kicks he faced in Kazan as Chile advanced to Sunday’s final against either Germany or Mexico.
Pizzi said: “Fortunately in the penalty shootout Claudio was amazing, the players who scored were amazing and I think we deserve to be in the final.
“When Claudio was able to stop the first effort after Arturo (Vidal) scored we started to feel a little more relaxed.
“Claudio had really analysed very well his opponents. He was very well prepared for that situation. That’s why we were able to win the penalty shootout.”
The South American champions had come closest to winning the contest in open play when Vidal hit the post in the penultimate minute of extra time and Martin Rodriguez struck the bar with the follow-up.
Portugal had earlier escaped when Iranian official Alireza Faghani opted not to ask the Video Assistant Referee to review a challenge by Jose Fonte on Francisco Silva, which should have been a penalty.
Bravo saved poor spotkicks from Ricardo Quaresma, Joao Moutinho and Nani while Chile were faultless from the spot and went through 3-0 as Vidal, Charles Aranguiz and Alexis Sanchez scored.
Pizzi added: “We’re very happy. Every single player has given everything.”
Portugal boss Fernando Santos defended his penalty takers, pointing to the fact the trio netted penalties as his side won the European title last year.
And Santos was magnanimous in defeat, saying: “It was an excellent game, two excellent teams. They both showed they wanted to win.
“Chile was the winner and the fair winner. Congratulations.”
l Linfield, managed by ex-Sunderland striker David Healy, secured a 1-0 win over La Fiorita in last night’s Champions League first qualifying round first leg tie in Belfast.
Jordan Stewart struck a minute form time after the San Marino champions looked set for a draw, with keeper Gianluca Vivan saving a second-half penalty.
The winners meet Celtic in the next round.
Swansea have sold striker Bafetimbi Gomis to Turkish club Galatasaray for an undisclosed fee. He hit 21 goals on loan at Marseille last season.
Meanwhile, Swansea captain Leon Britton has signed a new one-year contract.
Birmingham City manager Harry Redknapp has been reunited with Kevin Bond after appointing him as assistant boss for a fifth time.
Arsenal are reported to have had a bid for Lyon striker Alexandre Lacazette rejected, though they are expected to increase their offer.