Claudio Bravo and Chile into semi-finals with hard fought win over Uruguay (1-0)

Claudio Bravo and hosts Chile booked their place in the semi-finals of the Copa América with a narrow but deserved 1-0 victory over Uruguay in the first clash of the knock out stages of the competition. A goal from Isla nine minutes from time gave Jorge Sampaoli's side a last four date against either Bolivia or Peru with Chile attempting to win the tournament for the very first time in its 99 year history. A bad tempered second half saw 'la charrúa' end the game with just nine men, star striker Cavani having been dismissed for a second yellow on 65 minutes and defender Fucile suffering the same fate in the final few minutes of the clash.

First meeting in quarter-finals

Chile were looking for their first ever victory over Uruguay in the knock out stages of the Copa América in their first ever meeting in the quarter-finals of the competition. The side captained by Barça keeper Claudio Bravo were the most impressive outfit in the group stages yet the last eight contest against the reigning champions was their first real test of the tournament. The first half was a tense affair, typical when all of sudden the clashes take on a do or die nature. Chile midfielder Aránguiz scored twice in their 5-0 win over Bolivia in the group stages and could have added a third to his total had he not fired his shot straight at Uruguay keeper Muslera.

Yellow for Cavani

The tension of the encounter was apparent, niggly fouls became commonplace and Uruguay striker Cavani was one of several players cautioned by Brazilian referee Sandro Ricci. Oscar Tábarez's team tried to contain their opponents for most of the opening half and they succeeded for the most part, only a difficult chance for Alexis at the far post after 33 minutes and an effort from Vidal outside the box that was comfortably saved by Muslera gave signs that Chile would be able to overcome a stubborn Uruguay.

Two red cards and victory for the hosts

In the second half Uruguay threatened the Chile goal defended by Barça keeper Claudio Bravo for the very first time on 54 minutes. Striker Rolán brought a save from the blaugrana shot stopper with Tábarez's side gaining in confidence as the contest went on. That momentum was brought to halt when Paris Saint-Germain striker Cavani was dismissed for a second yellow just after the hour mark. Chile took the initiative with the extra man and eventually the hosts made the breakthrough. A ball into the Uruguayan box was punched away less than convincingly by keeper Muslera and Valdivia smartly fed Isla who drilled home a low shot for the goal that would send Chile into the last four. There was still time for Fucile to be sent off for a foul on ex-blaugrana Alexis Sánchez which lead to a confrontation between players and officials from both sides. Fortunately, tempers were kept in check and the final whistle signaled Chile and Claudio Bravo's progression to the last four of a competition that the hosts have never won.