Chile have a rich history when it comes to Copa America, winning the competition two consecutive times. Is this the year that would eventually see them winning their third ever Copa America?
Chile team during friendlies(Getty Images)
New Delhi: Chile is a football side, with a high stature, and a high pedigree in the South American footballing landscape, and is amongst the favourites to win the Copa America title. Over the past decade, they have established themselves as one of the continental giants who rely on tough, physical football.
Considering Chile’s record in Copa America, it isn’t hard to deny that they can compete against the very best teams and reach the latter stages. La Roja made the semifinals six times in a row after winning the event as hosts in 2015 and the prior time it was held in the United States.
The squad is coached by Argentine manager Ricardo Gareca, who took Peru to the Copa America runners-up spot in 2019 and third place in 2015. Gareca will be looking to make the most out of the squad experience on the pitch with some highly reputed players.
Player to watch: Alexis Sanchez
MARSEILLE, FRANCE – MARCH 26: Alexis Sanchez of Chile looks on during the international friendly match between France and Chile at Stade Velodrome on March 26, 2024 in Marseille, France.(Photo by Jean Catuffe/Getty Images)
While Sanchez’s ill-fated move to Manchester United proved to be a knock on his reputation, his displays ever since he left Old Trafford reminded us of the pure class he displayed during his time at the Emirates.
Considering his age, he had some remarkable stats playing for Inter contributing to over 50 goals and helping them secure two Scudettos and a Coppa Italia. Besides, his one-season spell at Marseille was one to match as he scored a total of 20+ goal contributions in all competitions.
The Chilean veteran has established himself as the best talent ever, produced by the La Roja and will be looking to help his nation reach continental glory this time around.
He is already considered a Chilean legend being their all-time top scorer with 51 goals in 163 matches which is also the all-time record for most appearances for Chile.
His presence in the squad would be a crucial uplift for the Chileans as his experience on the pitch may lead them to glory.
Young player to watch: Dario Osorio
STADIO ENNIO TARDINI, PARMA, ITALY – 2024/03/22: Dario Osorio of Chile in action during the international friendly football match between Albania and Chile. Chile won 3-0 over Albania. (Photo by Nicolò Campo/LightRocket via Getty Images)
Chile have a fresh prospect in their hands, Dario Osorio, who has looked good in the Danish league playing for Midtjylland. The 20-year-old started nine league games before getting injured, where he scored three and assisted twice which is a pretty decent stat for a right midfielder.
Osorio has eight caps for his nation and one goal to his name. This proves that he can certainly be a threat to the opposition with his pace and ability to beat the defenders. Besides, his versatility to play on both the flanks would prove crucial for the team.
He is one of the youngest players in the squad and the experience of the veterans playing around him would help him make the right decisions and perform.
Prediction
SANTIAGO, CHILE – JULY 04: Players of Chile celebrate with the trophy after the 2015 Copa America Chile Final match between Chile and Argentina at Nacional Stadium on July 04, 2015 in Santiago, Chile. (Photo by Hector Vivas/LatinContent via Getty Images)
While the Chilean national team prepare for Copa America, the fans have high expectations due to the standards they have set in the past. However, the group stages are not going to be easy as they face the defending champions Argentina, 2019 Copa America runners-up Peru, and a promising-looking Canada in Group A.
Chile are no strangers to lifting the Copa America title and this time they look set to make the most out of their experience on the pitch and reach the latter stages. Their team looks good with the in-game experience of veterans such as Sanchez, Claudio Bravo, Erick Pulgar, Eduardo Vargas and Mauricio Isla who are still running steadily to provide their assistance to the squad.
Others such as Brereton Diaz of Sheffield United and Victor Davila of CSKA Moscow would provide extra firepower to the team.
The group stages would involve them facing a top side who have met them on two consecutive occasions in the finals of Copa America, Argentina in 2015 and 2016. Chile would be looking to repeat what they did in those consecutive finals where they beat La Albiceleste, ending their hopes of lifting the trophy.
Ricardo Gareca will be up against his former side Peru, whom he led to the runners-up spot back in 2019 Copa America and finally, they will be facing a much-improved Canada side who look to cause a few major upsets.
However, Chile are certainly one of the contenders to lift the Copa America trophy and are expected to make it out of their group reaching the final stages of the competition.
Source link : https://www.news9live.com/sports/football/copa-america-2024-team-preview-chile-aim-to-repeat-past-heroics-2574232/amp
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Publish date : 2024-06-12 09:34:19
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