Chile vs Peru – Copa America Semi Final – Preview

Posted on June 29, 2015 by Sreya

Chile and Peru come face to face at Estadio Nacional, Santiago on 29th June, 2015 in the first semi-final of the 44th edition of Copa America. The hosts reached the last four for the twentieth time after Mauricio Isla’s goal helped them defeat Colombia last week. Peru notched up a relatively easy 3-1 win over neighbours Bolivia.

The support in the home stadium of La Roja at Santiago is bound to play a crucial role in their encounter against La Blanquirroja. While Chile have been the most colourful team of the tournament, Peru have displayed grit and determination worthy of applause.

Team News

The biggest news surrounding the Chile camp ahead of Monday’s semi-final has been the possible sanction hanging over Gonzalo Jara, following his “finger” incident with Edinson Cavani during Chile’s quarter-final win against Uruguay. The CONBEMOL have already opened an investigation and if proven guilty, Jara could be suspended for the rest of the tournament and more.

Both squads have relatively clean bill of health and the managers are expected to field their first choice eleven.

Chile Possible Starting Lineup (4-3-1-2 formation): Caludio Bravo; Gary Medel, Mauricio Isla, Eugenio Mena, Miiko Albornoz; Marcelo Díaz, Charles Aránguiz, Arturo Vidal; Jorge Valdivia; Alexis Sánchez, Eduardo Vargas.

Peru Possible Starting Lineup (4-4-2 formation): Pedro Gallese; Juan Manuel Vargas, Luis Advincula, Carlos Zambrano, Carlos Ascues; Carlos Lobatón, Josepmir Ballón, Christian Cueva, Joel Sánchez; Jefferson Farfán, Paolo Guerrero.

Team Profiles

Chile and Peru have been pretty contrasting in their road to the semi-finals. While Chile have shown variety and proved their dominance in wins against Bolivia, Ecuador, Uruguay, it was Peru’s sheer resolve and smart football which got them through the Group of Death against Brazil, Colombia and Venezuela.

If considered purely on statistical terms, Chile and Peru boast of the two highest scorers in the tournament in Arturo Vidal and Paolo Guerrero, with three goals each, a feat many would have considered improbable ahead of the tournament.

Peru boss Ricardo Gareca has already warned the hosts that his team has the weapons to knock Chile out of the competition and fans could be in for a treat, as gritty Peru comes face to face with the dazzling Chile.

Contributor’s Pick

Chile has won 10 out of the 15 matches played till date between these two nations, according to Head-2-Head statistics, scoring 29 goals and conceding just seventeen. It seems plausible that Jorge Sampaoli’s side will win this tie as well, considering their strength. It should be a closely contested affair, but Chile should prevail with a 2-1 scoreline.