Chile and Peru missed the chance to take a big step toward qualifying for the Copa América quarterfinals on Friday night, playing to a 0-0 draw in their Group A opener in Arlington, in Texas.
The teams were aiming to join Argentina on three points after the defending champions’ 2-0 win over Canada, whose qualification hopes were also boosted by the draw.
The stalemate reflects Chile and Peru’s struggles in Conmebol World Cup qualifying, where they combined to score just four goals in 12 matches.
Chilean Alexis Sánchez wasted the best chance of the match in the 16th minute.
The former Inter Milan and Arsenal striker missed a golden opportunity when he received a low cross from Víctor Dávila in the penalty area, only to send his shot over the crossbar.
“They started aggressively. I had two chances and it’s the Copa America and you have to take them,” Sanchez said.
“We were inaccurate in our passing, we only played one game before coming here.”
Chile showed more attacking flair but failed to execute the crucial final pass in an injury-marred first half, with Peruvian Luis Advíncula replaced in the 35th minute and Chilean midfielder Diego Valdés being replaced at half-time.
Peru’s Miguel Araujo nearly broke the deadlock in the 43rd minute, forcing Chilean goalkeeper Claudio Bravo to make an acrobatic save with a well-connected header from a Sergio Peña free kick.
Although Peruvian striker Gianluca Lapadula created the most dangerous moments of the second half, he failed to seriously challenge Bravo.
His most promising chance came in the 57th minute when a deflection fell to him, but his slide resulted in a weak shot easily saved by Bravo.
In the 79th minute, his volley from a Pena corner forced Bravo into another save, and the goalkeeper managed to collect the rebound just in time to prevent a second attempt.
“I think we played a great game and, with this attitude, we can take any game forward,” Lapadula said.
“The first half was a lot more defensive and the second was a lot more offensive. I had two clear chances and we have to keep working like that. I think we played a good game and this will be our start.”
Bravo’s performance in front of goal capped a special night for the former Barcelona and Manchester City goalkeeper, who, at 41 years, 2 months and 16 days, became the oldest player in the Copa America.
Chile next faces group leaders Argentina on Tuesday in New Jersey, while Peru faces Canada in Kansas City.
