Claudio Bravo made history as the oldest player in Copa America history, leading Chile to a gritty scoreless draw against Peru in their tournament opener. The 41-year-old goalkeeper showcased his expertise, making four crucial saves to deny Peru’s persistent attacks.
Bravo’s heroics were on full display in the 79th minute, when he expertly handled a corner kick, stopping Gianluca Lapadula’s shot and Paolo Guerrero’s rebound attempt.
Chile’s best chance came in the 16th minute, but Alexis Sánchez’s redirection sailed over the crossbar. The physical encounter saw 37 fouls and four yellow cards, a testament to the teams’ fierce competitiveness. With Argentina leading Group A after their 2-0 win over Canada, Chile and Peru face an uphill battle.
Bravo’s performance has set the tone for Chile’s campaign, and his experience will be crucial in their quest for glory. His leadership and skill will be essential in their upcoming match against Argentina, a rematch of the 2016 Copa America final. Chile will need to capitalize on their chances and rely on Bravo’s expertise to secure a win.
The tournament, which features 14 US stadiums, will conclude on July 14 at Miami Gardens, Florida. This edition has expanded to include six nations from North and Central America and the Caribbean, mirroring the centennial Copa America in 2016.
With Bravo at the helm, Chile has a solid chance of making a deep run in the tournament. His record-breaking appearance is a testament to his dedication and skill, inspiring his teammates and fans alike.