After a scoreless 120 minutes, Chile and Portugal went to a penalty shootout. Watch the entire penalty shootout here. Here are the results:
Vidal scored on Patricio
Quaresma saved by Bravo
Aranguiz scored on Patricio
Moutinho saved by Bravo
Sanchez scored on Patricio
Nani saved by Bravo
Claudio Bravo, the source of so much ire for Chile fans, is the hero. Bravo, who moved to Manchester City last season and struggled, started the tournament injured and had shaky moments during the group stage. But he was in top form on Wednesday, denying Ronaldo and Portugal for two hours and beyond. Ronaldo didn’t even get to attempt a penalty, but the damage had already been done. Chile like to win this way, and they are one win away from an intercontinental title.
In a meeting between the South American and European champions, early chances defined the day. Both teams had an open look at goal in the first ten minutes, but Chile keeper Claudio Bravo and Portugal goalie Rui Patricio were both able to keep the score even. That onslaught of offense forced caution from both teams, but that caution loosened as legs began to tire.
Chile are the oldest team at Confederations Cup with an average age of 29, but that didn’t play a major factor. Chile picked up the intensity as the game developed, but were always wary of Ronaldo streaking down the sideline.
CR7 had has chances, and was fed multiple crosses in the second half, but Portugal was inconsistent in the later stages. Manager Fernando Santos loves the counter, and Portugal waited all night for their opportunity but were unable to capitalize.
Chile advances to the Confederations Cup final Sunday in Saint Petersburg. Portugal will play Sunday morning in the third-place game in Moscow.