Claudio Bravo made as many saves in Chile's penalty shootout win over Portugal as he did for Man City in 2017

The match was goalless at the end of extra time and City goalkeeper Bravo saved all three of the spot-kicks he faced in Kazan as Chile advanced to Sunday's final against

Claudio Bravo was the hero as Chile beat Portugal in a penalty shootout to make the final (Getty)

Juan Antonio Pizzi lauded Claudio Bravo as the Manchester City keeper proved Chile's hero against Portugal to book a place in the Confederations Cup final.

The match was goalless at the end of extra time and City goalkeeper Bravo saved all three of the spot-kicks he faced in Kazan as Chile advanced to Sunday's final against either Germany or Mexico.

Those three saves are the same amount as he made in the entire of 2017 for City in a forgettable debut season at the Etihad and Pizzi was full of praise for his much-maligned keeper.

"Fortunately in the penalty shootout Claudio was amazing, the players who scored were amazing and I think we deserve to be in the final," the coach said afterwards.

"When Claudio was able to stop the first effort after Arturo (Vidal) scored we started to feel a little more relaxed. Claudio had really analysed very well his opponents. He was very well prepared for that situation. That's why we were able to win the penalty shootout."

The South American champions had come closest to winning the contest in open play when Vidal hit the post in the penultimate minute of extra time and Martin Rodriguez struck the bar with the follow-up.

Portugal had earlier escaped when Iranian official Alireza Faghani opted not to ask the Video Assistant Referee to review a challenge by Jose Fonte on Francisco Silva, which should have been a penalty.

Bravo saved poor spot-kicks from Ricardo Quaresma, Joao Moutinho and Nani while Chile were faultless from the spot and went through 3-0 as Vidal, Charles Aranguiz and Alexis Sanchez scored.


 Pizzi was delighted with Bravo 
 (Getty)

Pizzi added: "We're very happy. We have made a huge effort and I think you could see during the game we have played incredible.

"We couldn't score during the game. Both teams played at a very high level. Every single player has given everything. I think we had a couple of chances more to score, at the end of extra time. In any case it was a very balanced game."

Portugal boss Fernando Santos defended his penalty takers, pointing to the fact the trio netted penalties as his side won the European title last year.


 Bravo was Chile's hero against Portugal 
 (Getty)

And Santos was magnanimous in defeat.

He said: "It was an excellent game, two excellent teams. They both showed they wanted to win. Portugal started very well. We were able to surprise the Chile team.

"In the first 20 minutes we were better. We had chances we didn't score. In the last few minutes of extra time they did have good opportunities, but before that it was very balanced.

"Chile was the winner and the fair winner. Congratulations."