Paraguay 0x1 Colombia (Córdoba 35′)
Colombia got the tournament off to a fine start with victory over Paraguay in Mendoza, thanks to a goal from powerful striker Jhon Córdoba late in the first-half.
The Paraguayans had started strongly, dominating the early stages of the encounter, but once Colombia settled it became very difficult for Paraguay to gain possession of the ball.
Córdoba’s goal was the games moment of quality, with attacking midfielders Brayan Perea, Juan Quintero and Juan Pablo Nieto all involved in a smart attacking move.
It was that trio who terrified Paraguay all match, however the Alvirroja should have equalised late on, missing a series of chances with just moments remaining on the clock.
Argentina 0x1 Chile (Castillo 21′)
The second game of the night produced a massive shock, with nine-man Chile consigning hosts Argentina to an opening defeat.
Argentina came into the competition with much hype surrounding the likes of Manuel Lanzini, Juan Manuel Iturbe and Ricardo Centurion, but struggled to find any sort of fluidity in attacking areas.
In defence meanwhile, they were awful. Chile’s goal early on, headed home from a corner, was far from their only opportunity of the night and, barring dismissals, the margin for victory could have been more.
With midfielder Carlos Fuentes sent-off heading into half-time, Chile were forced to defend for long periods of the second-half, but were able to deal with Argentine attacks with some comfort.
Goalkeeper Diego Vela must take much credit for a string of fine second-half saves, but it was only after the Chilean side’s second dismissal, that of Manuel Bravo, with 20 minutes remaining that the pressure really came on.
Neither red card was clear cut and Chile will feel hard done by in terms of refereeing decisions. La Roja were, though, able to celebrate a memorable victory after somehow navigating the final twenty minutes with two men less than their opponents.
