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The group stage matches of the America's Cup tournament have ended. The only remaining available spot in the quarterfinals was won by Costa Rica, who defeated Chile in a dramatic battle.
Group C
Costa Rica - Chile 2 - 1
39' Rafael Ollara [0 - 1]
59' Mauricio Wright [1 - 1]
90'+3 Andy Herron [2 - 1]
In this match, Chile would have needed more goals to secure a better chance of advancing, as they would have surpassed Bolivia for the second best third place position. The victory in this match was crucial for one of these teams to secure a spot in the quarterfinals.
With six minutes left until halftime, Chile took the lead when defender Ollara scored a header after a penalty kick by Jimenez. Soon after, Jimenez himself almost scored, but his long shot hit the crossbar.
However, the score became level in the 59th minute, as Centeno took a shot and Wright redirected the ball into the goal. As the match neared the end, Chile almost took the lead again, but Jimenez's header was brilliantly saved by goalkeeper R. Gonzalez.
In the last attack of the match, already in extra time, Herron broke away alone against the Chilean goalkeeper and scored the winning goal with a precise but weak shot. In the quarterfinals, Costa Rica will face the winner of the last tournament, Colombia.
Brazil - Paraguay 1 - 2
30' Julio Gonzalez [0 - 1]
37' Luis Fabiano [1 - 1]
71' Freddy Bareiro [2 - 1]
The Paraguayan national team, made up of players who will represent the country in the Olympic Games, unexpectedly defeated the world champion Brazilians and won Group C.
After half an hour of play, the Paraguayans took the lead, with J. Gonzalez scoring a header after a corner kick. Brazil needed only seven minutes to equalize - receiving a pass from Kleberson, Luis Fabiano stopped the ball with his chest and struck a powerful shot past the opposition goalkeeper.
It seemed that the match would end in a draw, but in the 71st minute, Figueredo found Bareiro with a precise pass, and he took advantage of the opportunity to put his team ahead. However, shortly after, Brazil found a new hope when Martinez was sent off the field for a foul on Nery.
The numerical advantage did not help Brazil, and they finished second in the group, setting up a quarterfinal match against the winner of Group B, Mexico, while Paraguay will play against Uruguay.
Tournament table:
[Place, Team, Wins, Draws, Losses, Points, Goals scored-Goals conceded]
1. Paraguay 2 1 0 7 4-2
2. Brazil 2 0 1 6 6-3
3. Costa Rica 1 0 2 3 3-6
4. Chile 0 1 2 1 2-4
Tonight in the quarterfinals, Peru will face Argentina, and Colombia will play against Costa Rica, while Paraguay and Uruguay, as well as Mexico and Brazil, will play tomorrow.
