Argentina and Chile draw

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Argentina and Chile draw - PA Sport




> Argentina midfielder Hugo Pavone (left) tries to hold off Chile defender Sebastian Roco Photo Getty







Argentina and Chile have shared a goalless draw in front of a crowd of 30,000 at the Malvinas Argentinas Stadium in Mendoza.

The game marked the home debut of coach Alfio Basile, who has made a poor start to his second spell in charge of the national team after managing just one victory, a 1-0 win over France in Paris.

Argentina's San Lorenzo defender Jonathan Bottinelli came close to breaking the deadlock after 28 minutes but his well-struck effort cannoned back off the crossbar, while Colo Colo striker Humberto Suazo fired wide for Chile.

Gonzalo Fierro had Chile's clearest opportunity of the first half, but Argentina goalkeeper Juan Pablo Carrizo was on hand to make a crucial save.

Carrizo also denied Suazo after the break in a rare attack by either side as a poor second half failed to produce a breakthrough.

"There were a lot of nerves because several players made their debut for the national team," said Basile. "We also suffered from exhaustion at the end of the game."

"The match was not good, but served it's purpose as preparation for the Copa America."

Chile coach Nelson Acosta said: "Argentina are several levels above us, therefore the result is very good for us as we only had two training sessions together."

Argentina have been drawn in Group C of the Cope America, which begins on June 26, alongside the United States, Paraguay and Colombia, while Chile face Brazil, Mexico and Ecuador.

Last modified: 19 April 2007 15:33:55