LOS ANGELES – In an entertaining friendly match, Argentina and Chile have shared the points. The goalless draw was marked by the return of goalkeeper Claudio Bravo. And as always, tempers rose high in the clash of the Andean rivals.
The last match played by La Roja was for the third place in the Copa América against Argentina. That game was marked by the tensions between the two squads, with as highlight the red cards for Gary Medel and Lionel Messi.
Both teams started without key players. Argentina will miss Messi for another three months after his critics against CONMEBOL officials during the Copa América, while Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero got some rest. On the Chilean side, players as Vidal, Medel and Maripan were missing. Alexis Sánchez, the new Inter Milan player, did play and was captain.
Ten Yellow Cards and No Goals
In less than ten minutes, the play got physical and sometimes it seemed players were more looking for their opponents than for conquering the ball. Within seven minutes, Argentine’s Paredes and Chile’s Arranguiz were already booked in the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.
It made up for an entertaining match, with both teams seeking to fit new players in the team. Compared with the Chilean squad during the Copa América, its defense had undergone some changes, although the return of Claudio Bravo as goalkeeper warmed the hearts of many Chileans. The other goalkeeper Gabriel Arias, on the bench this night, was blamed for most goals during the Copa América and Bravo with his contributions as captain in the two consecutive wins of the Copa América will always be a national hero.
Both teams got their chances during the game, with the biggest for Chilean attacker Eduardo Vargas, who shot wide over the crossbar in the second half. Without goals but with ten yellow cards the game ended in a draw. A nevertheless positive balance: new players got their chance, Bravo returned and Chile did not lose from their biggest rivals.
On Tuesday, Chile will face Honduras.
Editor-In-Chief Boris van der Spek is the founder of Chile Today.