Copa America: Ugly Zambrano challenge ruins Peru hopes

Carlos Zambrano effectively ruined Peru’s chances of beating Chile with a reckless studs-up challenge on Charles Aranguiz early in the Copa America semi-final.

The 20th-minute tackle left Aranguiz writhing in pain and Peru down to 10-men, with the referee given no choice but to send off Zambrano, as Chile went on to win 2-1 thanks to a brace from Eduardo Vargas.

The pictures below show exactly how ugly the tackle was…

1. Zambrano goes in with his foot in the air, nowhere near the ball

2. A different angle shows exactly what the Peru player can see

3. Zambrano plants his right boot square on Aranguiz’s back

4. Aranguiz is left writhing in pain

5. And the referee is left with no option