Sau Paulo [Brazil], June 18: Defending champions started their Copa America campaign with a win against Japan 4-0 in their opening match in the group C on Tuesday here at Sau Paulo. Japan who travelled with the young side in the tournament failed to register a win against much experienced Chile's team. Chile started attacking Japan's defence after the 30th minute of the game as Alexis Sanchez fired two attempts which went off the target.

For Chile, Erick Pulgar started scoring before the final minutes of the first half. Pulgar scored in the 41st minute by converting Eduardo Vargas ball to goal through the header, giving Chile a lead of 1-0. No further goal was scored by the end of the half.

Chile doubled their lead to 2-0 just after the nine minutes of play in the second half. Vargas who struck from the edge of the area got deflected and landed in the goalpost. Japan's Takefusa Kubo, signed by Real Madrid last week, also had an opportunity to score but the ball missed the target and hit on the side-net.Although Chile's win was confirmed after their 2-0 lead, Sanchez and Vargas had other plans as they doubled it to 4-0. Lionel Messi Hits The Gym After Loss to Colombia in Copa America 2019 Opener.

Vargas scored two goals in the match while Pulgar and Sanchez netted one goal each.Chile will next play against Ecuador on June 21, while Japan will face Uruguay on June 20.

(The above story is verified and authored by ANI staff, ANI is South Asia's leading multimedia news agency with over 100 bureaus in India, South Asia and across the globe. ANI brings the latest news on Politics and Current Affairs in India & around the World, Sports, Health, Fitness, Entertainment, & News. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY)