Chile Beat Portugal in Shootout to Advance to 2017 Confederations Cup Final

Claudio Bravo made three straight saves in a penalty shootout to help Chile reach the final of the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup at the expense of Portugal on Wednesday.

Manchester City goalkeeper Bravo saved from Ricardo Quaresma, Joao Moutinho and Nani in the shootout, after the two teams could only manage a 0-0 draw following extra time at the Kazan Arena in Kazan, Russia.

Penalties were needed but only after Chile were denied what looked like a clear spot-kick and also hit the woodwork twice during the extra period. La Roja will now await the winner of Thursday's semi-final between Germany and Mexico.

Portugal's team had a familiar look, with Cristiano Ronaldo leading the line for an experienced squad, per the tournament's official Twitter account:

Similarly, Chile were filled with recognisable stars led by Bayern Munich man Arturo Vidal and Arsenal attacking talisman Alexis Sanchez:

Typically, it was Sanchez who exerted his influence early. The classy forward slid through a quality reverse pass for Eduardo Vargas, but Rui Patricio was off his line quickly to save.

At the other end, new AC Milan striker Adrian Silva wasted a great chance when one-on-one with La Roja stopper Bravo. To his credit, the much-maligned City 'keeper had reacted decisively.

Unfortunately, the early chances did not auger for an exciting and wide-open first half of attacking football. Instead, the game quickly descended into pragmatism, with both teams cagey and defensively stout.

What summed up the more reserved fare was how the normally forward-thinking Vidal was content to sit deep and shield the Chile back line.

Meanwhile, Portugal kept things tight in midfield to cut off the supply to Sanchez and Vargas. In fairness, the tactic was carried out expertly by Sporting Lisbon's holding player Adrien Silva, who was applauded by Jan Hagen of Metro and Sport Witness for his efforts during the opening 45 minutes:

Things barely loosened up after the break, but La Roja did spurn an excellent chance when Vidal misguided a header instead of finding the net. His miss made extra time necessary, and it was soon Sanchez's turn to wast a glorious headed opportunity.

Arsenal's star attacker was involved in some controversy in extra time when another astute pass freed Francisco Silva in behind. He appeared to be felled by West Ham United centre-back Jose Fonte in the box, but the referee waved away Chile's calls for a spot-kick.

However, the VAR officials opted against encouraging the referee to review the incident, despite it looking like a clear penalty.

Justice could have been done when Silva rolled the ball back for Vidal to hit, but the midfielder's shot crashed off the post. So did the rebound from Silva's fellow sub Martin Rodriguez.

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The astonishing double miss made penalties necessary. Vidal, Charles Aranguiz and Sanchez scored, but the hero was Bravo, whose hat-trick of saves booked a place in the final, while ensuring Ronaldo, who was fifth in line to take for Portugal, didn't get a chance.

Bravo has been under pressure at club level, but the 34-year-old has consistently delivered when it matters for his nation.