Chile crush Japan, Alexis Sanchez on score sheet

The two-time champions Chile began their CONMEBOL Copa América title defence on Monday with a decisive 4-0 win over Japan, the same margin that Uruguay recorded against Ecuador in Group C.

Two goals from Eduardo Vargas (54 and 83) and goals from Erick Pulgar (41) and Alexis Sanchez (82) sent Chile tied with Uruguay.

Vargas, a striker for Tigres in Mexico, is now the highest goal scorer in CONMEBOL with 12 goals, replacing Peru’s Paolo Guerrero (11 goals).

Chile coach Reinaldo Rueda believed Alexis Sanchez is on the “right track” after the attacker scored in a 4-0 win over Japan on Monday.

Sanchez scored for the first time since January in the two-time defending Copa America champions’ victory in Sao Paulo.

The Manchester United attacker was sidelined late during the Premier League season with a knee injury, but was on the scoresheet in his first appearance since early May.

Rueda was pleased with what he saw from Sanchez, who netted just twice in 27 games for United in 2018-19.

“He’s on the right track. We wanted to reserve him for the next games, but he’s recovered well,” he told a news conference.

Chile started their title defence in style as Eduardo Vargas netted a brace to go with goals from Erick Pulgar and Sanchez.

Rueda was happy with his team, who moved top of Group C ahead of Uruguay.

“Chile have very experienced players, they know each other very well, with a base of many years,” he said.

“The current champions usually make a bad debut, but we worked hard not to suffer with that.”

Chile will next face Ecuador on 21 June, while Uruguay will face Japan on Thursday, June 20.