Chile advanced to the Copa America after defeating Peru 2-1 in the first semifinal of the tournament.

The host nation will now have an opportunity to lift its first major international trophy in 99 years if it manages to win the final this upcoming Saturday.

There is still a long way to go, but the nation can relish a well-earned win. Here are a few reasons why Chile is a finalist at the 2015 Copa America.

Eduardo Vargas Scores Two Goals

Move over Arturo Vidal, Chile has a new leading goalscorer and MVP candidate. Eduardo Vargas continued his ascent in this tournament, looking like a force to be reckoned with up top.

His first goal was a tap-in that resulted from getting some good luck. Alexis Sanchez initiated the play with a brilliant blast at goal that hit the post and bounced right two Vargas who was standing in front of goal. Vargas did not get much on the ball and it squirmed past the line to give the hosts the lead. It was the result of two fortuitous bounces.

The same could not be said for the second, a brilliant blast from almost 30 yards that somehow made its way into the back of the net. It was the goal that broke the 1-1 deadlock, leaving Chile and its fans relaxed after Peru's shocking tying goal.

Red Card to Carlos Zambrano

Chile played 70 minutes of the game up a man and it surely proved a crucial advantage. Possession became theirs and Peru was forced to fire back on the counter for most of the evening.

The Peruvians were actually rather dangerous, particularly at the start of the game with Jefferson Farfan hitting the posting inside the opening 10 minutes. At that point it was an open affair with both sides trading opportunities. The reality for Chile is that either team was more likely to score.

As it turned out, the red card to Carlos Zambrano gave the Chileans the man advantage they needed to slow down the game and exert their control. Peru continued launching its counter attacks, but Chile was in complete control as the game wore on.

Luck

Zambrano's red card was actually quite controversial as he did not seem to do much to Charles Aranguiz. Moreover, it was only 20 minutes into the game and seemed a rather unfair call considering he had been given a yellow just minutes earlier.

Throw in Farfan's post keeping Peru off the board while Sanchez's post actually helping Chile and you have a situation where near-identical circumstances result in inverted fortunes.