Martin Rodriguez fires home for Chile
Martin Rodriguez fires home for Chile

Chile 1-1 Australia: South Americans progress


Chile survived a scare to reach the semi-finals of the Confederations Cup with a 1-1 draw against Australia in Moscow.

The Asia Cup champions needed to win by two clear goals to advance to the last four at Chile's expense and - during a combative first-half display which saw three Australians booked, including captain Tim Cahill on his 100th appearance for his country - they led at the break through James Troisi's goal.

However, substitute Martin Rodriguez's first international goal spared Chile's blushes and, as expected, they followed Germany out of Group B and through to the next round.

Chile started well with a wave off attacks which saw Brighton's new goalkeeper Matthew Ryan save from Arturo Vidal and Eduardo Vargas.

CONFEDERATIONS CUP RESULTS, FIXTURES & STANDINGS  

Alexis Sanchez wanted a penalty when he fell under a challenge from Mark Milligan but the VAR system showed it was an excellent tackle from the Australian defender.

Claudio Bravo denied Massimo Luongo from close range as Australia began to make chances, before Troisi's deft finish, clipping the ball over the advancing Chile goalkeeper, gave them the lead after 42 minutes.

Vidal came close to an immediate equaliser with a header that went just wide before Trent Sainsbury spurned a glorious chance to make it 2-0 in first-half injury time when he blasted a volley over the crossbar from eight yards out with only Bravo to beat.

Ryan repelled efforts from Vargas and Sanchez early in the second half as Chile threatened an equalising goal, which eventually came after 67 minutes when Rodriguez poked the ball home from close range from Vargas' downward header after Australia had failed to clear their lines.

Both teams had chances to win it, with Vargas heading wide from six yards out and Ryan McGowan missing from similar range at the other end - but in the end a draw seemed a fair result and it secured second spot for Chile, who will play Portugal in the semi-finals on Wednesday.

Like what you've read?

MOST READ FOOTBALL

Sporting Life
Join for free!
Access to exclusive features all for FREE - No monthly subscription fee
Race Replays
My stable horse tracker
giftOffers and prize draws
newsExclusive content

FOOTBALL TIPS

We are committed to Safer Gambling and have a number of self-help tools to help you manage your gambling. We also work with a number of independent charitable organisations who can offer help and answers any questions you may have.
Gamble Aware LogoGamble Helpline LogoGamstop LogoGordon Moody LogoSafer Gambling Standard LogoGamban Logo18+ LogoTake Time To Think Logo