by Our Sports Desk

CHILE beat Argentina 4-1 on penalties to win their first ever Copa America title on home soil.

After a goalless 120 minutes in Santiago on Saturday night, it was Arsenal star Alexis Sanchez’s audacious chip from 12 yards that proved to be the winner after Matias Fernandez, Arturo Vidal and Charles Aranguiz had all found the target with powerful efforts.

Lionel Messi scored the first penalty for Argentina but Gonzalo Higuain blazed over the bar and Ever Banega’s weak spot-kick was saved to leave Argentina without a Copa America title since 1993.

There was a lively start to the game with both teams trying to push high up the pitch and Angel di Maria had the first chance of note as he fired over the bar.

Both sides had chances as half-time approached, with Sanchez bringing a save from Romero and Ezequiel Lavezzi firing straight at stopper Claudio Bravo.

It was far less frenetic after the break but no less competitive, with Marcos Rojo and Javier Mascherano both going in the book in quick succession.

Argentina were having the better of it, with Chile not seeing as much of the ball, but chances were at a premium with Messi firing a free-kick into the wall.

Despite the Albiceleste dominating possession, it was Chile who created the best chance of the half, Sanchez’s cross finding Vidal at the back post but his shot was blocked.

With all previous knockout games in the tournament going straight to penalties, the 2015 Copa America had its first spell of extra-time and it was Chile who had the more possession with Diaz firing over the bar.

Sanchez then blazed over after bearing down on goal from around halfway. The deadlock could not be broken and the game went to penalties.