Chile defeated reigning champions Uruguay in the Copa América with a 1-0 victory in a fast-paced quarter-final that ended in controversy and kept alive the host nation's dream of a maiden title.
Uruguay were reduced to nine men by the end of the game with Edinson Cavani sent off for a second yellow card after 62 minutes and Jorge Fucile also shown red for a second booking with two minutes remaining. After Fucile's exit, the match was halted for several minutes as Uruguay's players surrounded the referee and officials and players from both sides scuffled on the field. The holders looked hard done by after video evidence showed it was Gonzalo Jara who first gave Cavani a friendly slap and then poked him behind the referee's back. When Cavani touched Jara's face with the slightest of taps, he fell to the ground to provoke a second yellow for the Paris Saint Germain striker.
Chile's midfield controlled play, especially Jorge Valdivia, who provided calm play under Uruguayan pressure. Alexis Sanchez had a chance at the far post in the 33rd minute as a cross was able to find his head, but his attempt went just wide. Four minutes later, Arturo Vidal's chance was well-saved by Uruguayan 'keeper Fernando Muslera.
Emotions were high, and play was chippy throughout the first half. The official issued four yellow cards, two to each side. He issued one of those cards to Uruguay striker Edinson Cavani, who was not finished with trouble. Freelancing soccer writer Graham Ruthven knew this match was going to get ugly.
The game opened up in the second half as end-to-end action for a 15-minute spell brought a fast and furious pace to the match. But in the 63rd minute, Cavani was shown off the pitch for his second yellow card after he slapped Gonzalo Jara in the face. It appeared Jara placed his hand in an inappropriate manner on Cavani's backside, prompting the slap. But the official only saw Cavani's actions, and Uruguay were down a man for the rest of the match.
