Copa América: Ben Brereton caps full Chile debut with winner against Bolivia

Ben Brereton enjoyed a dream full debut for Chile, as his early strike sealed a 1-0 win over Bolivia in their Copa América match in Cuiabá.

The Blackburn forward was born in Stoke and played for England at youth level, but is eligible to play for La Roja because his mother was born in Chile. Brereton made his debut from the bench against Argentina in their Group B opener, but started here and fired Chile ahead with just 10 minutes on the clock.

Brereton, a popular figure with fans on social media, got on the end of a counter-attack and coolly slotted the ball home from the edge of the penalty area. The 22-year-old also forced Bolivian goalkeeper Carlos Lampe into two good saves in the first half alone, and proved a handful for the opposition defence until he was substituted seven minutes from time.

Bolivia were without five players who tested positive for Covid-19, including top goalscorer Marcelo Martins, and fell to their second straight loss after an opening 3-1 defeat to Paraguay. Chile’s Eduardo Vargas thought he had scored a second in injury time but his effort was ruled out for offside.

Argentina continue their campaign later on Friday in Brasilia against Uruguay, who are playing their first game of the tournament.

source: theguardian.com