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Clutch Eduardo Vargas makes Chile an imposing foe as Mexico looms

Claudio Bravo's shaky goalkeeping is cause for concern, but Eduardo Vargas' brace in a 4-2 win over Panama gives Chile momentum heading into the Copa America quarterfinals.

PHILADELPHIA — For 10 tense minutes, another Claudio Bravo blunder had Chile on the cusp of embarrassment. Then, per Copa America tradition, Eduardo Vargas came to the rescue.

A year ago, it was Vargas who stepped up with a tournament-leading four goals — including two in a semifinal win over Peru — as Chile claimed the Copa America on home soil. With La Roja needing a result against Panama on Tuesday to reach the Copa America Centenario knockout round but facing a fifth-minute deficit, Vargas again rose to the occasion.