Chile 1-0 Uruguay: Late Mauricio Isla goal sees off nine-man Uruguay
Thursday 25 June 2015 09:50, UK
Mauricio Isla's late goal sent hosts Chile through to the Copa America semi-final against nine-man Uruguay in Santiago.
Isla, who was on loan at QPR last season, finished from 15 yards after Uruguay failed to clear a corner, sending the home crowd wild.
Holders Uruguay saw Edinson Cavani sent off for a second bookable offence with 25 minutes remaining, and also had Jorge Fucile dismissed in injury time for a poor tackle on Alexis Sanchez.
Chile were looking for a first semi-final appearance since 1991, having been knocked out at the quarter-final stage in 2007 and 2011.
A fiery first half saw four yellow cards but not many chances despite the hosts dominating possession.
The only half-chance of the opening 45 minutes fell to Charles Aranguiz, who found a pocket on the edge of the area, only to then find Uruguay goalkeeper Fernando Muslera with an effort on the turn.
The game livened up in the second period, with Chile still piling on the pressure, but Diego Rolan spurned Uruguay's best chance on the break, poking straight at Claudio Bravo from eight yards.
The game sprung into life in the 63rd minute when PSG's Cavani was sent off for a light slap on former West Brom defender Gonzalo Jara, before the striker took an age to leave the pitch while protesting.
Chile took the lead through Isla after Fernando Muslara's punch fell to Jorge Valdivia to offload to the defender, applying the finish with a low drive into the bottom corner.
Fucile was then shown a second yellow for a hacking down Arsenal forward Sanchez on the byline, followed by a melee involving both benches on the pitch.
Arturo Vidal forced a fine save out of Muslara late on in the game, and Uruguay never threatened an equaliser as the 2011 champions crashed out.
Chile will play either Peru or Bolivia, who play on Thursday evening in their last eight tie.
