Paraguay's Arrieta nets dramatic late winner to secure 2027 Pan Am Games spot
A stunning stoppage-time strike from Camila Arrieta handed Paraguay a dramatic 1-0 victory over Chile in Monday's Women's Copa America fifth-place playoff in Quito, securing the final berth for the 2027 Pan American Games in Lima.
The victory sends Paraguay to their fourth Pan Am Games, where they will aim to surpass their best-ever fourth-place finish from Lima 2019.
"It was a difficult match," the 23-year-old Arrieta said after the game. "We know what Chile are capable of, but we managed to get through the game and we deserved this victory."
Chile dominated possession but failed to create clear-cut chances, while Paraguay stayed compact and looked threatening on the counter-attack through tournament leading scorer Claudia Martinez.
Just as the match appeared destined for penalties, Arrieta broke the deadlock two minutes into stoppage time, her precise low drive deflecting off the post before nestling into the net to seal a hard-fought triumph.
"I had chances to shoot at goal earlier in the game, but I couldn't convert them. I kept trying," Arrieta said.
"After all the hard work we've put in, this means a lot to us. We'll prepare as best we can for the World Cup qualifiers."
Later on Monday, Argentina will face Colombia in the first semi-final of the tournament, with an Olympic spot at stake.
Defending champions Brazil take on Uruguay in Tuesday's second semi-final. REUTERS
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