Chile stun Argentina to win Copa America

Star-studded Argentina failed again at the last hurdle of a major international competition when they lost to Chile in the final of the Copa America in Santiago on Saturday. Argentina, who lost the 2014 World Cup final to Germany, lost 4-1 in the penalty shoot-out to the hosts, who ended their 99-year wait for the crown.

Alexis Sanchez celebrates after scoring the decisive penalty against Argentina in the Copa America final on Saturday. REUTERS/Marcos Brindicci

This is the third loss for Argentina in the finals of Copa America in the last 11 years.

They were beaten by Brazil in 2004 and Uruguay in 2007.

This loss also means that Lionel Messi’s wait for an international title continues.

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Arsenal forward Alexis Sanchez converted the decisive spot-kick for Chile, as the hosts clinched a 4-1 shoot-out victory when the game ended goalless after extra time.

The match started with Chile launching attacks into the Argentine half. However, it was Argentina who came close to breaking the 0-0 deadlock.

They almost took the lead in the 20th minute when Sergio Aguero attempted to score with a close-range header.

Bravo was in action again as he stopped a shot by Ezequiel Lavezzi.

Argentina almost snatched a dramatic victory in the final right at the end but Gonzalo Higuain could only manage to find the side netting.

In the penalty shoot out, after Higuain shot his penalty over the bar and Bravo saved Ever Banega’s kick, the writing was on the wall for Argentina.

Sanchez sealed Chile’s win after chipping the decisive penalty past Argentina’s goalkeeper Sergio Romero.

Chile’s star midfielder Arturo Vidal said that the win was a dream come true.