SAO PAULO: Manchester United misfit Alexis Sanchez scored for the first time in five months and provided an assist as Chile began their Copa America defence in emphatic fashion with a thumping 4-0 win over tournament guests Japan on Monday.
Japan’s Hiroki Abe in action with Chile’s Mauricio Isla during the Copa America Brazil 2019 Group C match between Japan and Chile, at Morumbi Stadium, in Sao Paulo, Brazil, on June 17, 2019. Photo: Reuters
The 2015 and 2016 Copa champions took the lead late in the first half against a largely young and inexperienced Japan with a towering header from midfielder Erick Pulgar.
Journeyman striker Eduardo Vargas continued his remarkable consistency for his country by scoring in a fourth consecutive major tournament by doubling Chile’s lead in the 54th minute with the help of a deflection.
Sanchez made it 3-0 with a diving header from close range in the 82nd minute, punching the air in celebration after enduring a frustrating season with United, and a minute later he laid on a pass for Vargas to score again, this time with a classy chip.
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Written by Sandeep Sen
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