COPA AMERICA WIN: Two Killed In Street Revels In Chile After Soccer Win - Local Media

This is the moment Claudio Bravo became the first of his countrymen to lift a major trophy in international football. What an achievement for the hosts. (Image source: Daily Mail UK)

Two people were killed and several others injured in Santiago when a car slammed into street revelers celebrating host Chile's triumph in the Copa America soccer tournament, local radio Bio-Bio reported on Sunday.

Chileans streamed into the streets, squares and bars after their team won its first ever major trophy on Saturday, beating Argentina 4-1 on penalties after the teams drew 0-0.

Some crowds attempted to loot shops and supermarkets before being stopped by police, local media reported.

But the Copa tournament was largely free of the hooliganism that has dogged soccer matches in the region. Efforts to work with other countries to keep out troublemakers seem to have worked, with no reports of significant violence.

On Saturday Chile had ended their wait for a major trophy win. It had taken 99 years. 173 Copa America games. But Chile have finally won a major trophy. 

They have probably been the best side at this tournament, scoring the most goals in the group stage, playing a pretty good brand of football, and, most importantly, holding their nerve when it mattered. 

That Alexis Sanchez penalty, by the way, was the most ridiculously cool way to finish it off.
Argentina was not on their best, but you have to feel for Argentina - that's a World Cup and now the Copa America both lost in a final, within a year.

Three men in particular stand out for me. 

Javier Mascherano, who gives everything, raises the level of his team-mates, and is the reason that a theoretically shaky defence rarely looks threatened. He deserves an international medal or two. 

Gonzalo Higuain may only have himself to blame, but he will forever now be remembered as the man who cost his country. Twice. The miss in last year's final, the chance in stoppage time here (which was really Lavezzi's fault, but don't expect anyone to remember that) and then the penalty, blasted over the bar.

Last, but most definitely not least, Lionel Messi. The best player of his generation. Possibly the best of all time. In a system that doesn't really work he has helped his team to two major finals in two years. And both times, he has been let down by his team-mates. Yes, he wasn't at his best tonight, but he still created the chance that should have won it. Others have failed him.