adminSantiago — Hosts Chile brushed aside Bolivia 5-0 at the Copa America to finish top of Group A and ensure they remain in the capital Santiago for their quarter-final. Midfielder Charles Aranguiz scored twice and Arsenal striker Alexis Sanchez grabbed his first goal of the tournament as Chile cruised to victory in a one-sided encounter at the national stadium.Full back Gary Medel added a fourth, Bolivian captain Ronald Raldes scored an own-goal and Sanchez hit the woodwork twice against a Bolivia side that offered little in the way of resistance.
Meanwhile, Mexico, who came to the Copa with an understrength side, became the first team to be eliminated from the Copa America on Friday after suffering a 2-1 defeat to Ecuador in Group A.
Goals from Miller Bolanos and West Ham star Enner Valencia set up a crucial victory for Ecuador, who could still scrape into the quarterfinals as one of the two best third-placed teams.
Mexico’s goal came from a Raul Jimenez penalty on 64 minutes to set up a nervous finale for Ecuador, who had lost their two previous matches in the tournament.
Mexico are one of two teams from the North, Central American and Caribbean (ConcaCaf) region invited to participate in the South American football showpiece in Chile.
Despite their defeat, Bolivia finished second in the group and also progress to the last eight. — Reuters-AFP
Online Reporter