Copa America: Alexis Sanchez scores a brace as Chile storm past Panama

Philadelphia: Alexis Sanchez and Eduardo Vargas scored two goals each as Chile advanced to the quarter-finals of the Copa America Centenario on Tuesday with a 4-2 victory over Panama. The defending champions responded to the shock of falling behind to a Miguel Camargo goal after only five minutes, with two goals by Vargas before Arsenal star Sanchez grabbed a third. Sanchez added his second in the 89th minute to complete the rout. The Chileans will meet Group C winners Mexico in the quarter-final on Saturday, while Group D winners Argentina will meet Venezuela in the other quarter-final. [caption id=“attachment_2835402” align=“alignleft” width=“380”]  Chile players celebrate after scoring against Panama during their Copa America match. AFP[/caption] Chile will be disappointed advance to the quarter-finals still searching for their best form after twice conceding against modest opponents who were thumped 5-0 by Argentina in their previous outing. The Chileans were given a scare early on when Camargo gave the Panamanians an early lead. Chile defender Gonzalo Jara was the culprit, giving away possession with a lazy pass out of defense that allowed Panama to pounce. The ball arrived at Camargo’s feet and the midfielder let fly with a venomous low shot which Barcelona goalkeeper Claudio Bravo failed to grasp to leave Panama 1-0 up. Chile hit back quickly however, leveling through Vargas, who tapped in from close range after Panama goalkeeper Jaime Penedo could only half block a Sanchez shot. Gary Medel should have headed Chile into the lead on 38 minutes, stealing in unmarked at the back post but heading over from a Sanchez corner. Yet two minutes before the break, Chile took the lead, Vargas heading in a cross from the left for 2-1. Five minutes into the second half, it was 3-1. Vargas picked out Sanchez with a lofted pass from one side of the penalty area to the other and the Arsenal star showed great technique to lash a first-time volley into the roof of the net. Chile were jolted by a second Panama goal on 75 minutes, when Abdiel Arroyo headed in a free-kick from Ricardo Buitrago to make it 3-2 but finished on top to seal the win when Sanchez added his second.