MATCH 17 REPORT : AT THE DEATH, COSTA RICA QUALIFIES

The Chilean fans stormed into the city of Tacna, but were unable to help their national team reach the quarterfinals of Copa América. In the very last minute, a goal by Herron sealed a 2-1 victory for Costa Rica against Chile, securing their berth in the quarterfinals of the competition.

Chile, who could end as runners-up in the group had the better of the early play, creating opportunities as in the shot by Mancilla which struck the crossbar. As if in no need of victory, Costa Rica defended themselves with the use of several fouls. After one of the free-kicks earned, the Chilean persistence paid off: after some pinball action in the box, the ball found the net after taking a deflection on skipper Olarra.

In the second half, Costa Rica took more chances and equaled the scores on the hour, also from a dead-ball situation. After the cross from the right, Wright pounced on the loose ball to draw level.The game became a more open affair since the 1-all tie would eliminate both teams while qualifying Bolivia.

After a sequence of squandered opportunities from both sides, Herron broke on the counter before slotting past the on-rushing keeper Varas to reverse the scoring and seal the Costa Rican qualification. Now, they will meet Colombia, on Saturday, in Trujillo.

Costa Rica: Ricardo González - Alexander Castro, Luis Marín, Mauricio Wright, Leonardo González (Jùnior Díaz) - Douglas Sequeira, Steven Bryce (Alvaro Saborio), Walter Centeno, Cristian Badilla (Whayne Wilson) - Alonso Solis and Andy Herrón. Coach: Jorge Luis Pinto.

Chile: Alex Varas - Ismael Fuentes, Luis Fuentes, Rafael Olarra, Rodrigo Pérez (Maurìcio Aros) - Clarence Acuña (Rodrigo Meléndez), Rodrigo Valenzuela, Rodrigo Millar (Milovan Mirosevic), Luis Jiménez - Sebastián González and Héctor Mancilla. Coach: Juvenal Olmos

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