By Oladunjoye Oluwaseun
World’s third best team Colombia entertain fifth ranked team Chile in Copa America Centenario 2016 semifinal battle at the Soldier Field in Chicago on Wednesday evening.
Colombia battled past Peru in a 4-2 penalty win at the quarter final stage after the sides played out a 0-0 draw at full time. Jose Pekerman led side booked their first semifinal ticket since they last won the tournament in 2001.
It was a goal fest in Chile’s quarter final clash with Mexico. The Chileans put 7 goals past their miserable opponents at the Levi’s Stadium to reach consecutive Copa America semifinals.
Form Comparison
Both sides have suffered a defeat in this ongoing tournament. Chile succumbed to 2-1 defeat in their first group game against the tournaments favourites Argentina. Antonio Pizzi’s men have since won their remaining group games and with the quarter final win against Mexico, they scored 14 goals, conceding just 4 goals from 4 matches so far.
Colombia on the other hand lost their last group after winning each of their first two group games, defeating hosts “USA” and fellow South American counterpart Paraguay. Jose Pekerman heavily rotates his squad in the last group game against Costa Rica, which cost them their only defeat of the competition. However, the quarter final clash against Peru was always going to be a tricky one and they must be relieved after David Ospina heroics in shoot out sent them through to the semifinals.
Colombia vs Chile: Predicted Line-ups
Colombia (4-2-3-1): Ospina – Diaz, Murillo, Zapata, Arias – Torres, Perez – Moreno, Cardona, Cuadrado – Bacca.
Key Player: James Rodriguez (Forward) / Age: 24 / Copa 2016 Goals: 2
Chile (4-3-3): Bravo – Beausejour, Jara, Medel, Isla – Vidal, Diaz, Aranguiz – Puch, Sanchez, Vargas.
Key Player: Eduardo Vargas (Forward) / Age: 26 / Copa 2016 Goals: 6
Colombia vs Chile: Head-To-Head-Stats
The last meeting between the sides in a Copa America competition was during the 2001 edition hosted by Colombia, where Chile succumbed to a 2-0 loss in the group stages.
However, both side recently met in November, 2015 for a World qualification game, which ended in a 1-1 draw as James Rodriguez cancelled out Arturo Vidal late first half strike.
In the last 10 meetings between both sides: Chile and Colombia share 3 wins each, while 4 matches ended in a draw.
Colombia vs Chile: Prediction
Both teams have produced decent run of forms on their way to the semis. However, Chile’s quarter final performance will send fear down the spine of Jose Pekerman’s men, but it has always been an evenly poised encounter any-time these sides meet.
I will predict the game ending in a scored draw at the regulated 90 minutes. Copa America doesn’t imply extra time until final, so we might see a penalty shoot-out to decide the winner on Wednesday evening.
Score Prediction: Colombia 1-1 Chile (To be decided on penalty).
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