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SBI Copa America Man of the Match: Claudio Bravo

Photo by Brad Penner/USA TODAY Sports
Photo by Brad Penner/USA TODAY Sports

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — Once again, the Copa America final came down to a penalty shootout. Once again, it was Chile’s Claudio Bravo that came up big when his team needed him most.

Chile beat Argentina in the Copa America Centenario final on Sunday night after prevailing, 4-2, on penalty kicks, and Bravo was a key figure in the scoreless match at MetLife Stadium. The Chilean goalkeeper stopped a Lucas Biglia penalty kick to open the door for Francisco Silva’s decisive take, and also made a trio of saves throughout the 120 minutes of action.

Bravo’s contributions propelled Chile to a second straight Copa America title while earning the goalkeeper honors as SBI’s Copa America Man of the Match.

Prior to denying Biglia and seeing Lionel Messi fire a penalty over the crossbar, Bravo made a heroic save early in extra time by parrying away a free kick with a miraculous dive. Bravo also proved impenetrable throughout the match, as his ability to cover ground helped limit Argentina on several legitimate chances.

Bravo, who also won the Copa America Centenario Golden Glove award on Sunday, beat out Javier Mascherano, Arturo Vidal, Alexis Sanchez, and Sergio Romero for SBI’s Man of the Match honors.

What did you think of Bravo’s performance? Agree that he was the best player on the night? Which players stood out to you in Sunday’s final?

Share your thoughts below.

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