In a match ruled by poor officiating, Brazil picked up a 3-0 win over Chile in a Copa America Group B match-up.
What started as one of the marquee match-ups of the tournament, quickly fell into an abysmally tedious affair as match referee Carlos Torres passed out a myriad of yellow cards.
Intent on making his presence felt, the Paraguayan referee argued with any player that showed the slightest dissent and it appeared Chile was getting the worst of it.
The Chileans will certainly argue that poor officiating was their undoing as they dominated much of the ninety minutes and Brazil's breakthrough came via Torres.
Against the run of play, Brazil were beneficiaries of the softest of penalties when Vagner-Love tumbled in the the box. Robinho converted the spot kick for the 1-0 lead.
Even though the goal seemed to invigorate the Brazilians, it was still Chile having the better of it.
And fourteen minutes into the second half, Humberto Suazo looked as though he would put Chile back on level terms.
A brilliant through-ball put the new Monterrey striker in, completely alone, but the golden opportunity fell victim to the linesman's flag as Suazo was errantly ruled offside.
Ten minutes later, Suazo would again find himself with a chance to equalize.
The former Colo Colo forward faked and turned nearly every direction as he left four Brazilian defenders, as well as the keeper, scrambling in the box. But Suazo's shot let him down as he fired weakly, straight at Gilberto, who easily cleared into touch.
The Chileans seemed to tire pushing for the equalizer, but still looked the more likely to score.
But instead, it would be Brazil, on one of their few clear chances of the second half that would get the goal, with Robinho chipping over keeper Claudio Bravo in the 84th and putting the game out of reach at 2-0.
It seemed even more unjust four minutes later when Robinho picked up the hat-trick, beating Bravo near post to make it 3-0.
Brazil are now in good shape in second, having picked up their first three points of the tournament, and having a dejected Ecuador as their last group opponents.
Chile however, are in trouble, having dropped to third. And they will surely be feeling the pressure of having fallen to a -2 goal difference, with unbeaten and already qualified Mexico as their last group opponents.
The top two teams from each group qualify, as do the two best third place finishers.
-Chris
Copa America T-Shirt
