Two-time Copa America champions Chile opened their bid for a third title with a hard-fought 0-0 draw against Peru in Arlington on Friday.
A scrappy encounter at the Texas home of the Dallas Cowboys NFL team saw neither side manage to get on top before a result that boosts Argentina’s hopes of winning Group A.
Chile were left ruing a golden missed chance from veteran Inter Milan forward Alexis Sanchez in the 16th minute.
Sanchez, one of the heroes of Chile’s back-to-back Copa America victories in 2015 and 2016, was teed up in the six-yard box after a low pass from Victor Davila.
But with plenty of time and space, the 35-year-old somehow scooped his shot over the bar as Peru were given a huge let-off.
That ended up being the best chance of the night for Chile, who enjoyed 65% possession yet only managed one shot on target during the game.
A disjointed game never really got going, with some 37 fouls breaking up play and contributing to a lacklustre spectacle.
Peru’s best chance came near the hour mark when Gianluca Lapadula volleyed over from close range.
The result leaves Argentina, 2-0 winners over Canada in the tournament’s opening game on Thursday, two points clear of the top.
Chile face Argentina in their second match on Tuesday in New Jersey in a replay of the 2016 Copa Centenario final at the same venue.
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