As the Copa America moves on, the games get better and better. Friday's games did not disappoint, as viewers saw Lionel Mess play on US soil and Chile win with a PK in the 100th MINUTE. Recaps we go:
Chile vs. Bolivia was put as a must win for both teams, as the loser could possibly be eliminated. After tons of chances in the first half, along with tons of stalling during restart plays from Bolivia, Chile entered the locker room scoreless, and tied, after 45 minutes. But, the fury was released when Arturo Vidal got a nice give and go from his teammate Alexis Sanchez and scored 30 seconds into the last half. Vidal easily took care of the ball and slid it past keeper Carlos Lampe. In the 61st minute, Bolivia tied from a goal-of-the-tournament strike from Jhasmani Campos. Campos' free kick curled from outside to inside the back net, thanks from a lucky hit off the crossball and tip of the ball from Chile's keeper Claudio Bravo. Stoppage time would get horrific, as Ronald Eguino was kicked in the head, 8 minutes were added on, and a late penalty from Chile after a controversial handball on Luis Gutierrez. Vidal converted the PK, however, Bolivia nearly tied it a minute later in the 101st when Rodrigo Ramallo's shot hit the skinned the right post. With the loss, Bolivia is eliminated.
Argentina vs. Panama saw a battle for first place and the return of Messi. Argentina would strike first when Nicolas Otamendi headed a nice free kick cross from Angel di Maria into the back of the net in the 7th minute of play. Di Maria got injured, though in the 43rd minute, and was subbed off. Panama's luck continued to worsen as Anibal Godoy slapped an Argentinean player and reeived his 2nd yellow in the 31st. As Messi came on in the 61st, fans stood and clapped for the entrance of their most favorite superstar. He would not disappoint, scoring 3 goals in the 68th, 78th, and 87th minute. The first, a ball hit off Gonzalo Higuain's face which fell to Messi, who struck in the left side of the net. The second was a free kick that curled inward, into the top left corner of the net. And the third, a little chip past Panama' Jaime Penedo. Argentina would finish the scoring as Messi got an assist off an excellent cross that was sent to Marcos Rojo, who headed it to Sergio Aguero to head in from close range. Argentina has qualified to the quarterfinals, while Panama will have to fight for second against Chile on Tuesday.
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