Chile see off nine-man Uruguay to make Copa semi-finals

Mauricio Isla scored a dramatic winner to secure Chile’s place in the Copa America semi-finals after an ill-tempered encounter with nine-man Uruguay.

The defending champions frustrated Jorge Sampaoli’s men for much of the contest, holding the hosts at arm’s length despite their territorial dominance. Jorge Valdivia impressed throughout, although not even he could force the breakthrough.

However, the game’s dynamic changed when Edison Cavani was shown a second yellow card for striking the face of Gonzalo Jara - leaving Uruguay with no outlet on the counter attack. From then on the Chilean pressure was incessant.

And they finally found the breakthrough after 81 minutes when Isla smashed home a strike from 15 yards to give Chile the advantage they had threatened for so long. Uruguay were reduced to nine man late in the match, when Jorge Fucile was also shown a second yellow - with a scuffle breaking out between the two sides.

8’ OVER THE BAR! Isla and Valdivia combine well down the right side, with the latter crossing into the area for Vargas. But the forward can only direct his overhead kick over the target.

26’ CHANCE FOR CHILE! The hosts come flying forward down the right side, with the ball coming to Aranguiz on the edge of the box. But his shot his tame and is saved by Muslera.

33’ OPPORTUNITY FOR SANCHEZ! Valdivia finds a cross to he back post where the Arsenal forward is lurking, but Fucile gets across in time to make the challenge on Sanchez.

38’ MUSLERA FORCED INTO THE SAVE! Vidal takes on the shot from about 22 yards out, but his effort is straight down the throat of the Uruguay keeper. That was hit with some power!

63’ SENT OFF! Edinson Cavani (Uruguay). The PSG striker is shown a second yellow card for a petulant foul. That was a ridiculous decision to go in for that tackle when he was already on a booking.

73’ VIDAL DECIDES TO TAKE THE SHOT! Valdivia breaks through a couple tackles on the edge of the box, with the ball breaking to Vidal. But he takes the shot first time and Muslera makes the save.

76’ NOT FAR WIDE! Uruguay come forward on a rare attack, with Sanchez striking a half volley towards goal. And the midfielder's curling effort flashes just past the post with Bravo beaten.

80’ RIGHT ACROSS THE FACE OF GOAL! Fernandez whips a wonderful corner kick delivery into the box, but neither Vidal nor Medel can force it home. What a chance that was.

81’ GOAL! Chile 1 Uruguay 0: The breakthrough! Chile have the lead! Finally, after all this pressure. A cross is punched by Muslera out to Isla, who smashed a strike home from about 15 yards. What a moment!

89’ SENT OFF! Jorge Fucile (Uruguay). A second yellow card is flashed to the Uruguayan defender after bringing down Sanchez with an ill-timed and reckless scissor challenge.

95’ THE CHANCE TO FINISH IT OFF! Muslera's poor clearance is picked up by Pizarro, who feeds Vidal. The Juventus midfielder should score, but his shot is saved by the keeper.

Chile have not lost a match at home after going into half-time at 0-0 since 2006.

Uruguay has now played tournament hosts 12 times in the Copa America as the defending champions: winning 4 four, drawing one and losing six.

The dynamic of this match shifted when Cavani was shown a second yellow card for a petulant flick of the hand at Jara, capping what was an atrocious campaign for the PSG striker in Chile. He failed to find the net once and offered Uruguay very little in attack all the way through the tournament. His side probably would have been better off without him.

Chile have their best chance of winning the Copa America for the first time in the tournament’s 99-year history, and Valdivia has been their brightest star so far. Sanchez, Vidal and others have all impressed, but Valdivia is the spark that lights up Chile’s frontline. Pretty much everything positive they do in the final third comes through him. If only he could add a cutting edge to his game, he would be the full package.

Chile - Bravo 6, Isla 8, Medel 6, Jara 6, Mena 5, Aranguiz 6, Diaz 6, Vidal 7, Sanchez 7, Vargas 7, Valdivia 8. Subs - Fernandez 5, Pinilla 6, Pizarro.

Uruguay - Muslera 5, Pereira 6, Gimenez 6, Godin 7, Fucile 5, Arevalo 6, Gonzalez 5, Sanchez 7, Rodriguez 6, Rolan 5, Cavani 4. Subs - Hernandez 6, Rodriguez.