Alexis Sanchez scored for the first time in five months as Chile commenced their Copa America in a spectacular way with a 4-0 win Japan.
La Roja is the two-time reigning Copa champions after winning the tournament back-to-back in 2015 and 2016.
The Japanese youngsters struggled at times and were wasteful with their chances against the defending champions.
Alexis Sanchez scored, taking Chile to the top of Group C along with Uruguay
What Happened:
The 2015 and 2016 Copa champions Chile took the lead late in the first half against a young and inexperienced Japan with a header from midfielder Erick Pulgar.
Striker Eduardo Vargas scored in a fourth consecutive major tournament by doubling Chile’s lead in the 54th minute
Sanchez made it 3-0 with a diving header from close range in the 82nd minute for Chile
Punching the air in celebration after suffering a frustrating season with Manchester United
A minute later Sanchez assisted Vargas to score again, this time with a chip.
If anyone needed a big game, it was this man as he had only one goal and three assists in his previous premier league season.
The scoreline was harsh on Japan as they made several hopeful chances but were let down by poor finishing from young striker Ayase Ueda.
