The rivalry between the Chilean and Argentine national football teams is one of the most intense and storied in South American football. Over the decades, these two teams have clashed in numerous competitions, with each match adding a new chapter to their shared history. This article provides a detailed timeline of the key encounters between the Chile national football team and the Argentina national football team, highlighting the evolution of their rivalry and the significance of their meetings on the global football stage.
Early Encounters: 1910s-1950s
The rivalry between Chile and Argentina dates back over a century, with their first official match taking place in the early 20th century.
1910 Copa Centenario Revolución de Mayo
- Date: May 27, 1910
- Venue: Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Result: Argentina 5-1 Chile
The first recorded match between Chile and Argentina occurred during the Copa Centenario Revolución de Mayo, a tournament held to commemorate Argentina’s May Revolution. Argentina dominated the match, winning 5-1. This victory set the tone for the early years of the rivalry, with Argentina often coming out on top.
1916 South American Championship (Now Copa América)
- Date: July 2, 1916
- Venue: Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Result: Argentina 6-1 Chile
The teams met again in the inaugural South American Championship, which would later become the Copa América. Argentina once again demonstrated their superiority with a convincing 6-1 victory. Chile, still developing as a footballing nation, struggled against the more established Argentine team.
1945 South American Championship
- Date: February 14, 1945
- Venue: Estadio Nacional, Santiago, Chile
- Result: Argentina 1-0 Chile
In a much closer match, Argentina narrowly defeated Chile 1-0 in the 1945 South American Championship. This game was a sign of Chile’s growing competitiveness, as they managed to hold Argentina to a single goal.
Mid-Century Battles: 1960s-1980s
As Chile’s footballing standards improved, their matches against Argentina became more competitive and closely contested.
1966 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers
- Date: July 17, 1965
- Venue: Estadio Nacional, Santiago, Chile
- Result: Chile 1-0 Argentina
Chile achieved one of their first significant victories over Argentina during the 1966 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. A solitary goal from Eladio Rojas secured a 1-0 win for Chile, marking a milestone in the rivalry and boosting Chile’s hopes of qualifying for the World Cup.
1974 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers
- Date: September 23, 1973
- Venue: Estadio Nacional, Santiago, Chile
- Result: Chile 1-1 Argentina
In the qualifiers for the 1974 FIFA World Cup, Chile and Argentina played out a 1-1 draw in Santiago. This result highlighted Chile’s growing resilience and ability to compete against their South American neighbors on an equal footing.
1987 Copa América
- Date: June 30, 1987
- Venue: Estadio Monumental, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Result: Argentina 3-0 Chile
In the 1987 Copa América, Argentina comfortably defeated Chile 3-0 in the group stage. This match occurred during a period of Argentine dominance in South American football, led by stars like Diego Maradona, who did not play in this particular tournament but whose influence on Argentine football was profound.
Modern Era: 1990s-Present
The modern era of the rivalry between Chile and Argentina has seen some of the most memorable and competitive matches, particularly in the Copa América.
1991 Copa América
- Date: July 10, 1991
- Venue: Estadio Nacional, Santiago, Chile
- Result: Argentina 1-0 Chile
In the 1991 Copa América, Argentina defeated Chile 1-0 in Santiago, thanks to a goal by Claudio Caniggia. This victory was crucial in helping Argentina win the tournament, while Chile was left to reflect on what could have been on home soil.
2010 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers
- Date: October 15, 2008
- Venue: Estadio Nacional, Santiago, Chile
- Result: Chile 1-0 Argentina
One of the most significant moments in the modern era of this rivalry came during the qualifiers for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Chile defeated Argentina 1-0, marking their first-ever World Cup qualifying victory over Argentina. The lone goal was scored by Fabián Orellana, and this win was a major achievement for Chile under coach Marcelo Bielsa, who had previously managed Argentina.
2015 Copa América Final
- Date: July 4, 2015
- Venue: Estadio Nacional, Santiago, Chile
- Result: Chile 0-0 Argentina (Chile won 4-1 on penalties)
The 2015 Copa América final is perhaps the most iconic match in the history of this rivalry. After a goalless draw, Chile triumphed in the penalty shootout, winning 4-1. This victory gave Chile their first-ever Copa América title, and the image of Claudio Bravo lifting the trophy remains one of the most memorable moments in Chilean football history.
2016 Copa América Centenario Final
- Date: June 26, 2016
- Venue: MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, USA
- Result: Chile 0-0 Argentina (Chile won 4-2 on penalties)
In a remarkable repeat of the previous year, Chile and Argentina met again in the final of the Copa América Centenario. The match ended in another goalless draw, and once again, Chile emerged victorious in the penalty shootout, winning 4-2. This second consecutive Copa América title solidified Chile’s place as a powerhouse in South American football.
Conclusion
The rivalry between the Chilean and Argentine national football teams has evolved from early one-sided encounters to a fiercely competitive and evenly matched contest. From the early 20th century to the modern era, each match has added to the rich history of this rivalry. Whether it’s the high stakes of World Cup qualifiers or the drama of Copa América finals, the clashes between Chile and Argentina are always eagerly anticipated by fans and players alike. As both teams continue to compete on the international stage, the rivalry is sure to produce more memorable moments in the years to come.
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