Vidal and Vargas lead Chile to opening Copa victory

Ecuador's Gabriel Achilier clears the ball away from Chile's Alexis Sanchez (7) during the opening match of the Copa America 2015 soccer tournament in the National Stadium in Santiago, Chile, June 11, 2015. [Photo/Agencies]

Sanchez could have had two goals inside the first four minutes at Santiago's national stadium but scuffed his first effort and then failed to beat goalkeeper Alexander Dominguez with a lob.

With the match goalless at halftime, Chile coach Jorge Sampaoli threw on Napoli striker Vargas in a bid to break the deadlock.

The change seemed to breathe life into the Chilean front line and they gradually took control as the game opened up before running out deserved winners.