Francisco Sierralta made his Copa America debut last night as his national side secured qualification to the next round.

Sierralta, who played a significant role in Watford's promotion-winning season, played the full 90 minutes in Chile's 1-1 draw with Uruguay.

Chile took the lead in the 26th minute with a goal from Eduardo Vargas, assisted by Blackburn Rovers striker Ben Brereton.

Both of Uruguay's star men Edinson Cavani and Luis Suarez were shut out by the Chilean backline but Sierralta's side were pegged back in the second-half following an own goal by Arturo Vidal.

But the draw was enough for Chile to earn qualification to the quarter finals.

Sierralta will be hoping to keep his place when Chile take on Paraguay in the next Group A match in Brazil on Friday.

His chances may have received a boost after teammate and fellow centre-back Guillermo Maripan was forced off with an injury in yesterday's game towards the end of the first half.

Sierralta previously missed out against Argentina and Bolivia due to a calf injury but recovered to be able to play the whole game against Uruguay, although he did pick up a booking in the 19th minute.

The 24-year-old, who joined Watford from Udinese in 2020, made his Chile debut in 2018.