Copa America: Chile 2 Peru 0

An own-goal helped Chile seal top spot ahead of Peru in Group C of the Copa America, ensuring they avoid hosts Argentina in the final eight.

With Chile and Peru having already qualified for the quarter-finals before the match at Mendoza’s Estadio Malvinas Argentinas on Tuesday, both managers elected to make wholesale changes to their starting XIs.

Peru alone made nine changes and – while the game remained entertaining – it took a 92nd-minute own-goal from Peru substitute Andre Carillo to separate the two nations at the final whistle.

While both sides did not hold back, clear chances were rare and composed finishing virtually non-existent.

Chile striker Esteban Paredes was somehow unable to convert Jean Beausejour’s cross from point-blank range midway through the first half, while Michael Guevara passed up a similar chance for Peru at the other end shortly before the half-time whistle.

The odd strong challenge had kept things willing throughout the match, and tempers eventually boiled over on the hour mark.

Barcelona-bound midfielder Alexis Sanchez wasted little time in proving a nuisance after his 58th-minute substitution by drawing a cynical booking from Peru defender Christian Ramos, and the ensuing push-and-shove between Beausejour and Giancarlo Carmona saw them both show straight red cards.

Carillo’s unfortunate contribution put Chile in front as the seconds dwindled away, with a bicycle kick from Peru midfielder Renzo Revoredo straight at goalkeeper Miguel Pinto.