Chile and Peru missed a chance to take a big step toward qualifying for the Copa América quarterfinals on Friday night, drawing 0-0 in their first Group A match in Arlington, Texas.
The teams were struggling to level with Argentina on three points after the defending champions' 2-0 victory over Canada, whose qualification hopes were also boosted by the draw.
The tie reflected Chile and Peru's problems in the Conmebol World Cup qualifiers, where together they managed just four goals in 12 games.
Chilean Alexis Sánchez wasted the best opportunity of the game in the 16th minute.
The former Inter Milan and Arsenal striker missed a golden opportunity when he received a low cross from Víctor Dávila in the six-yard box, but his shot went over the crossbar.
“They started aggressively. I had two opportunities and this is the Copa América and we have to take advantage of them,” Sánchez said.
“We were inaccurate in our passing, we only played one game before coming here.”
Chile showed more attacking talent but failed to execute the crucial final pass in a first half marked by injuries, with Peruvian Luis Advíncula substituted in the 35th minute and Chilean midfielder Diego Valdés being substituted at halftime.
Peruvian Miguel Araujo almost broke the tie in the 43rd minute, forcing Chilean goalkeeper Claudio Bravo to make an acrobatic save with a well-connected header after a free kick from Sergio Peña.
Although Peruvian striker Gianluca Lapadula created the most dangerous moments of the second half, he failed to seriously challenge Bravo.
His most promising opportunity came in the 57th minute, when a deflection fell on him, but his slip resulted in a weak shot that was easily saved by Bravo.
In the 79th minute, his volley from a Peña corner forced Bravo into another save, and the goalkeeper managed to collect the rebound just in time to prevent a second attempt.
“I think we played a great game and, with that attitude, we can carry out any game,” Lapadula said.
“The first half was much more defensive and the second much more offensive. I had two clear opportunities and we have to continue working like that. I think we played a great game and it will be our beginning.”
Bravo's performance in goal crowned a special night for the former Barcelona and Manchester City goalkeeper, who at 41 years, 2 months and 16 days became the oldest player in the history of the Copa América.
Chile will face group leaders Argentina in New Jersey on Tuesday, while Peru will face Canada in Kansas City.
