Chile off to Copa America semifinals after shootout win over Colombia

Chile's hopes of a three-peat live on.

After the video assistant referee ruled out two of its goals against Colombia on Friday, the two-time defending Copa America champion prevailed on penalties 5-4 to reach the semifinal.

Chile will face either Uruguay or Peru in Porto Alegre on Wednesday.

In a quarterfinal that offered precious little entertainment value, Chile controlled much of the play.

On two occasions, La Roja thought it had found a breakthrough. Charles Aranguiz seemed to have put Chile ahead with an opportunistic finish from close range, only for referee Nestor Pitana to consult the VAR on duty. It was determined that Alexis Sanchez was offside in the buildup to the goal.

In the 72nd minute, Arturo Vidal saw his goal wiped out when a handball was awarded in the penalty area.

Colombia didn't offer much going forward, registering just a shot on target as it played for penalties.

But the ploy fell short. Chile's takers were fantastic from 12 yards. Vidal, Eduardo Vargas, Erick Pulgar, and Aranguiz all hit their penalties with conviction, and when Colombia's William Tesillo sailed his attempt wide, Sanchez stepped up to send Chile through.