Copa America 2011, Uruguay Vs. Chile: Uruguay Holds Off Chile Late For 1-1 Draw

The first half wasn’t a boring first half, but it didn’t have any goals and many observers just lumped it in with the many drawn, boring matches in the tournament. Chile hit the crossbar once and Uruguay had several opportunities to score, but they just missed the frame.

Chile didn’t stop with their goal though. Luis Jimenez, who was bright all match, looked like he would put Chile in front when he got a free header just three yards from goal, but Muslera came sprinting across to make a tremendous diving save. Muslera also came out to get a good cross out of danger and handled a well-struck shot from distance. Three dangerous free kicks late put a scare into the Uruguayans, but Muslera handled one and the other two just missed the frame as Uruguay just barely held on for the draw.

Uruguay had been the better team in the first half, but didn’t have the goal to show for it. They came out firing in the second half and it paid off when they caught the Chile defense scrambling. A low cross from the left found Pereira standing in the center unmarked. The Chile defense was nowhere near him and couldn’t do anything but watch as Pereira turned and shot for the first goal of the match.

Both teams have had their chances, but the best one came on an unintentional one. A deflection off of a clearance went flying towards the Uruguay goal and off the crossbar. A bit of luck for Uruguay that they didn’t go down, but at the same time, had the ball gone in then it would have been unbelievably unlucky.