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An angel took the ball after Vidal’s shot and took it where no goalkeeper can go. Could it have been the hand of Tanque Campos, who scored so many goals at Nacional? The truth is that that tremendous goal by King Arturo was the goal cry that opened the happiest day in Chile in the Rueda era. The one with the valuable victory over Peru 2-0, on the third round of the Qualifiers.
The national eleven entered the field with a large question mark on top. And why not say it, with fear. Not from the players, it became clear later, but from the pessimistic atmosphere that existed after Rueda’s reproached summons, the previous incendiary conference of the same DT and the confirmed withdrawal of Alexis, who saw the start of the game from the bench.
The answers were expressed shortly after the game. The local determined to take control of the party and Peru, surprisingly, with fear on the surface. With excess of respect and giving away the field. Two teams with similar tactical schemes (4-1-4-1), but with a very different disposition.
Orellana and Meneses, the new Creole forwards with respect to the start of the Qualifiers, incisive in their style. Pinares, ambitious and with personality to ask for the ball and take it to his attackers. And Mora, the center forward, playing with intelligence, holding, unloading and annoying the centrals. Chile, without being overwhelming, generated good feelings in Ñuñoa.
But of course, these games are not won with intentions alone. You have to put something else. Much more. Class is needed, distinction is required. And that is what Arturo Vidal has left over, who what he has lost in speed he has gained in football intelligence. Intelligence and superior technique, to nail at 20 ‘a bombshell in Gallese’s angle (the best goal of the Playoffs to date) and to sniff a loose ball in the area and define opportunistically (35’). Two goals, ideal first half, better than almost everyone anticipated.
Half the job done, thinking about the second half. With an important detail, which also marks a great distance from the two previous presentations: Claudio Bravo. The goalkeeper, who returned to play for points in the National Team, not only stood out with bright covers, but also transmitted greater security to the team. And thanks to his game with his feet, he also pushed his teammates to play later. Ten, 15 meters higher, which at this level is a very valuable advantage.
Bravo was also the best in Chile in the second half. Coincidentally with a drop in performance by Rueda’s team, which, as happened against Colombia, backed down. Peru noticed the change, gained in precision as well, and went in search of the discount. Pinares, Orellana and Meneses disappeared (tired?), Mora remained isolated above. Time to suffer and work. It is already said, with a solvent Bravo.
Rueda moved the pieces. To remove the ball, but not to retain it. The midfield added strength with the income of Echeverría and Baeza, and remained in the game. Everything good from the first half, lost, had to try something else. Rueda looked at the bench and called the hit Alexis for the last 10 minutes. The tocopillano entered and immediately forced a save from Gallese. As a sign, the team again began to stand up ahead. Thus was closing the triumph, so necessary in this process.
Because on the way to Qatar 2022, nothing is given away and Chile had already delivered five points in the first double run. That’s why you had to win. To tell the other countries that La Roja is not out of this race. The victory in the Clásico del Pacífico left the national team much more than three points. It left him faith.
MATCH SHEET
Chile 2: C. Bravo; M. Isla (84 ′, A. Sánchez), P. Díaz, G. Maripán, J. Beausejour; E. Thumb (70 ′, C. Baeza); F. Orellana (76 ′, J. Andía), C. Pinares (70 ′, R. Echeverría), A. Vidal, J. Meneses; F. Mora (84 ′, N. Castro). DT: R. Rueda.
Peru 0: P. Gallese; L. Advíncula, M. Araujo, L. Abram, M. Trauco (77 ′, C. González); R. Tapia (77 ′, A. Polo); A. Carrillo, P. Aquino (39 ′, C. Cueva), Y. Yotún, E. Flores (60 ′, M. López); R. Ruidíaz (60 ′,. Lapadula). DT: R. Gareca.
Goals: 1-0, 20 ′: Vidal takes a shoe at the angle that leaves the goalkeeper stopped; 2-0, 35 ′, Vidal catches a loose ball and finishes near the goal.
Referee: Esteban Ostojich (URU). He admonished Beausejour, Echeverría (CH); Tapia, González (P)
National Stadium: no audience.
