Chile reaches Confederations Cup final after beating Portugal on penalties

Chile reached its third straight international final after winning consecutive Copa America titles [Reuters]
Chile’s Claudio Bravo made three penalty saves, as his country team defeated Portugal 3-0 in a penalty shootout to reach the Confederations Cup final in Russia.

Bravo, who missed the first two matches because of injury, stopped penalties by Ricardo Quaresma, Joao Moutinho and Nani in the semi-final in Kazan, sending Chile to its third straight international final after winning consecutive Copa America titles.

Arturo Vidal, Charles Aranguiz and Alexis Sanchez all scored for Chile in the shootout.

The teams had drawn 0-0 after normal and extra time.

The result was justice for Chile, which had a strong penalty appeal turned down in extra time and then saw the ball hit the woodwork twice in a few seconds a few minutes later.

Chile and Portugal both came close in the first 10 minutes but there were few chances after that. Ronaldo was off-form for Portugal and Chile gradually took control.

The Chileans will play Germany or Mexico in Monday’s (AEST) final in St Petersburg. It will be seeking its first title outside of South America after winning the Copa America in 2015 and 2016.

Portugal was looking for its second consecutive title after winning the European Championship last year.

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