Chile's semi-final Copa America win over Colombia delayed for almost THREE hours at half-time as thunderstorms suspend play
- Chile defeated Colombia 2-0 to reach the Copa America final on Sunday
- Wednesday match was suspended at half-time due to mass thunderstorms
- Delays at Soldier Field meant the match resumed two hours 40 minutes late
The second half of the Copa America semi-final between Chile and Colombia was delayed for two hours and 40 minutes as a strong band of thunderstorms passed through Chicago.
A line of storms rolled through the area about two hours before kick-off on Wednesday night, but cleared out in plenty of time for the teams to play the first half at Soldier Field.
However, organisers asked the crowd to seek shelter at half-time as lightning was followed by sheets of rain at the home of the NFL's Chicago Bears.
Soldier Field was vacated during Chile's Copa America semi-final win over Colombia due to thunderstorms
The thunderstorms saw the match in Chicago suspended for two hours and 40 minutes as a result
A sign warns fans to seek shelter due to bleak weather conditions at Soldier Field during half-time
Fans leave the stadium as a result as they awaited the resumption of the Copa America semi-final
Ground staff work on the pitch after the thunderstorm to remove it of any excess water due to the weather
Chile's Francisco Silva (bottom) tackles Roger Martinez in the wet during the start of the second half
Originally the delay was set to be for a minimum of 30 minutes but that expanded greatly as player and fan safety proved paramount.
'Due to inclement weather in the immediate stadium vicinity, tonight's Copa America Centenario match at Soldier Field has been temporarily suspended,' a statement read at half-time.
'Copa America Centenatio and City officials are monitoring the weather closely. The safety of our players and fans is our top priority.'
Prior to the delay, Chile were leading 2-0 thanks to goals from Charles Aranguiz and Jose Pedro Fuenzalida inside the opening 11 minutes of the match. The scoreline remained that way after the interval with Colombia midfielder Carlos Sanchez being sent off for a second bookable offence.
Defending champions Chile will face Argentina on Sunday in a repeat of last year's final, which they won on penalties.
Copa America champions Chile got off to a dream start after seven minutes thanks to Charles Aranguiz
The Chile midfielder (right) fired his side ahead from close range at Soldier Field on Wednesday night
Jose Pedro Fuenzalida clenches his fist with delight after doubling Chile's lead after 11 minutes
Chile's No 6 was duly jumping for joy with his team-mates after making an electric start against Colombia
Colombia's evening went from bad to worse when Carlos Sanchez (second left) was sent off
The Aston Villa midfielder's appeals fell on deaf ears as referee Joel Aguilar showed no remorse
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