Chileans take command with win over Mexico

July 05, 2011 | 10:45
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Chile provided a little of the passion the Copa America had been missing as they fought their way past Mexico 2-1 to go two points clear in Group C.

With Peru having held fancied Uruguay to a 1-1 draw earlier - the fourth stalemate in the first five game of the competition - the way was clear for the Chileans to strut their stuff against a raw Mexican side after "El Tri" elected to rest any of their senior squad having just lifted the CONCACAF Gold Cup.

Despite their inexperience the Mexicans, regular special guests at the South American event, started strongly and Nestor Araujo gave them a 40th-minute lead at the Del Bicentenario stadium before a 25,000 crowd in temperatures just above freezing.

But Chile, likewise seeking their first Copa title, roared back to win with second half efforts in quick succession from Esteban Paredes and Arturo Vidal.

AFP

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