Copa America: Argentina, Chile advance to semifinals

By Satuk Bugra Kutlugun

ANKARA (AA) - Argentina and Chile defeated their opponents and moved onto the semifinals in Copa America 2019.

Argentina scored one goal in each half to eliminate Venezuela 2-0, while Chile had to win on a penalty shootout against Colombia.

Lautaro Martinez opened the scoring in the 10th minute for Argentina with a beautiful heel kick to beat the goalkeeper.

La Albiceleste (The White and Sky-Blues) then closed the deal in the 75th minute, this with Giovani Lo Celso who followed a saved shot and completed it close to the net.

Argentina qualified to the semifinals of the Copa America for the fifth time in the last six editions; not in 2011 when they hosted but were eliminated in the quarterfinals against Uruguay.

They will face Brazil on Tuesday at Mineirao de Belo Horizonte stadium for a showdown of the continent's two powerhouse teams.

In the other match of the evening, Chile managed to eliminate Colombia on penalties, 5-4.

The regular time and the extra time ended goalless at Sao Paulo, where Chile showed some strong signals to score but it did not happen.

The Chileans were perfect from the white spot, with goals from Arturo Vidal, Eduardo Vargas, Erick Pulgar, Charles Aránguiz and Alexis Sánchez.

For Colombia, William Tesillo missed the last shot, after James Rodriguez, Juan Guillermo Cuadrado, Edwin Cardona and Yerry Mina had each scored.