Chile reach Confederations Cup final after beating Portugal in shoot-out

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Claudio Bravo was Chile's hero on Wednesday as they beat Portugal 3-0 in a penalty shoot-out in the Confederations Cup semi-finals. The Manchester City goalkeeper saved all three penalties from Portugal's Ricardo Quaresma, Joao Moutinho and Nani, while Arturo Vidal, Charles Aranguiz and Alexis Sanchez nailed their spot-kicks for the South Americans.

"We are satisfied with the result and how we played, but we have still not won anything," warned the 34-year-old Bravo.

Chile progress to Sunday's final in St Petersburg to face either Mexico or Germany, who meet Thursday in Sochi in the other semi-final.

Chile's Mauricio Isla (R) and Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo fight for the ball in their 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup semifinal in Kazan, Russia, June 28, 2017. /VCG Photo

"I'm very proud of this team. Claudio pulled off some good saves to keep us in the game," said Chile coach Juan Antonio Pizzi. "He had the ability to foresee where their players would put their kicks. Now it doesn't matter who we get, we just need to recover for the final."

Losers Portugal will contest Sunday's third-place play-off in Moscow.

Chile almost settled Wednesday's match in the dying stages of extra-time when both Vidal and substitute Martin Rodriguez hit the woodwork as Portugal hung on to take the game to a shoot-out.

Chile's Arturo Vidal (L) and Portugal's Bernardo Silva fight for the ball in their 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup semifinal in Kazan, Russia, June 28, 2017. /VCG Photo

The defeat in Kazan will be bitterly disappointing for Portugal's superstar forward Cristiano Ronaldo. The Real Madrid star, who is facing doubts about his future in Spain as he prepares to answer allegations of tax evasion in a Madrid court next month, had won man-of-the-match awards in all three group matches.

Before kick-off in Kazan, Manchester City's new signing Bernardo Silva shook off a foot injury he suffered in the 4-0 drubbing of New Zealand to make Portugal's starting line-up. With Pepe suspended, Jose Fonte partnered Bruno Alves at center-back. Up front, AC Milan's 21-year-old striker Andre Silva partnered Ronaldo, but the pair endured a frustrating night at the hands of Chile's defense.

The moment of joy: Chile's coach Juan Antonio Pizzi celebrates the team's victory in the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup semifinal against Portugal in Kazan, Russia, June 28, 2017. /VCG Photo

Chile's coach Juan Antonio Pizzi named the same team which drew 1-1 with world champions Germany last Thursday as center-back Gary Medel and midfielder Aranguiz both shook off knocks.

(Source: AFP)

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