Copa America 2016: 5 best goals from the Centenario extravaganza
The Copa America Centenario was a feast of football, with Chile ultimately beating out a Lionel Messi-inspired Argentina in the final on penalties. While a missed penalty kick from the Barcelona maestro was the story of the tournament, there were plenty of goals on offer to whet our footballing appetites.
From stunning solo runs, unstopaable free-kicks to amazing team goals, the South American football extravaganza provided us with a whole host of memorable goals, with Eduardo Vargas of Chile topping the goal-scoring charts with 6 goals, followed by Lionel Messi on 5.
Here are the top 5 goals of Copa America 2016, in descending order:
5 Edson Puch – Chile (vs Mexico)
Chile were eventual winners, with their striker Eduardo Vargas topping the Copa America goal-scoring charts yet again. However, in a trend that is emblematic of their team ethos, Chile scored very few solo goals, with this fantastic counter-attacking team goal their best of the tournament.
It was a goal that capped off a stunning performance from the Chileans, as they blew Mexico away 7-0 in the quarterfinals. With the game won at 6-0 and heading into the final moments, you would forgive Chile for strolling about the pitch – however that is the anti-thesis of their footballing philosophy, as this goal showed.
Alexis Sanchez wins the ball in the Chilean half and powers up the pitch, shrugging off challenges like swatting away flies. However, Mexico get back and crowd him out – not a problem for Chile, with Vidal and Edson Puch bursting up the pitch in support. Sanchez squares for Vidal, who turns and plays through Puch as he charges into the box and lifts the ball over Ochoa to cap off the team performance of the tournament.
On a day where he scored his first international goal for Chile, Puch won’t be soon forgetting his second strike for La Roja anytime soon.