Chile scrape win after pelty shocker

FOXBOROUGH, Jun 11: Arturo Vidal scored a controversial pelty deep into injury time as holders Chile stched a dramatic 2-1 victory over Bolivia to keep their Copa America Centerio campaign alive on Friday. Bayern Munich star Vidal struck from the spot in the 10th minute of time added on after a hugely debatable pelty was awarded against Bolivian defender Luis Gutierrez for handball by US referee Jair Marrufo.

Television replays showed Gutierrez had his right arm behind his back to avoid conceding a handball but Alexis Sanchez’s cross struck him on the shoulder and Marrufo pointed to the spot after the apparent intervention of the linesman.

Bolivia’s players surrounded the referee for angry protests but Marrufo’s decision stood and it was left to Vidal to drive home the pelty.

The result gives Chile hope of reaching the last eight following their opening defeat to Argenti in Group D.

Chile coach Juan Antonio Pizzi brushed off questions about his team’s fortuitous pelty award, insisting that they had deserved to win. Vidal meanwhile admitted he doubted whether the pelty should have been given but claimed it was compensation.

Earlier a stunning 61st minute free-kick from Kuwait-based playmaker Jhasmani Campos appeared to have grabbed a share of the points for Bolivia at Gillette Stadium after Vidal had given Chile the lead just after half-time. IANS