Sanchez returns to form as Chile thump Japan

All Alexis Sanchez needed was to trade in his red United jersy for that of Chile as the defending champion’s began their Copa America defence by thumping tournamnet guests Japan 4-0 on Monday at Morumbi.

Chile, champions in 2015 and 2016 took the lead, late in first half with a header from midfielder Erick Pulgar from a Charles Aránguiz corner.

Forward Eduardo Vargas continued  to display his  consistent international form by scoring for the fourth time in a major tournament, doubling Chile's lead in the 54th minute.

United misfit Sanchez made it 3-0 from a close range diving header in the 82nd minute from yet another Aránguiz cross. This was Sanchez’s first goal since January as the forward ended a difficult spell at Old Trafford last season filled with injuries and poor performances. A minute later, the United forward showcased his skills and experence once again as he laid a to pass Vargas for the later to put the ball behind the net to seal the fate of the Blue Samurais.

Japan making their second Copa America appereance since 1999, brought in a relatively young and inexperienced squad focusing on the Olympic tournament at home next year. Throughout the match, the Blue Samurais struggled to keep pace with Chile’s ‘golden generation’ and were wasteful of the very few chances they had in the match. The Japanese squad in Brazil included 18 year old Takefusa Kubo who has joined Real Madrid B team for the next season.

The youngstar was a threat for Japan in attack and got an ovation from the crowd after getting past the Chilean defence with a ball through his legs; 10 minutes into the match. He nearly scored after a nifty move past a defender inside the box in the 65th minute, but had his shot hit the outside of the net.

After the match, United forward Sanchez weighed in on his recent form after a season beset by injuries and a lack of playing time in the Premier League.

“For six weeks I felt worse than I ever have before,” Sanchez said. “I struggled in the first half as I felt stifled but in the second half I was more relaxed and played with more freedom and excitement,” the Chilean talisman added.

Midfielder also Arturo Vidal chimmed in on his long time team-mate after the match saying, “Alexis needed the goal. He had a difficult year and this gives him confidence.”

Chile won the last two editions of the Copa America, beating Argentina in penalty shootouts in both finals in 2015 and 2016. Argentina is the only team to have won three consecutive Copa titles, from 1945-47 a task that might be too difficult for an ageing Chilean ‘golden generation’.

The victory sees Chile move to the top of Group C along with Uruguay, who also opened their Copa campaign with a 4-0 thrashing of Ecuador on Sunday.