2021 Copa America – Argentina vs Chile Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When is Argentina vs Chile taking place? Monday 14th June, 2021 – 22:00 (UK)
Where is Argentina vs Chile taking place? Estádio Nilton Santos, Rio de Janeiro
Where can I get tickets for Argentina vs Chile? Visit the official Copa America website for the latest ticket information
What television channel is Argentina vs Chile on in the UK? BBC Red Button
Where can I stream Argentina vs Chile in the UK? This match can be streamed live on BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website
THE TEAM NEWS
ARGENTINA
- Argentina’s improved form since their 2017-2018 collapse under Jorge Sampaoli has not necessarily been electrifying but it is noticeable. Lionel Scaloni’s 28-man squad wasn’t confirmed until Thursday, just three days before the tournament. However, there is an impressive balance unlike recent Argentine squads and, as ever, a plethora of attacking options.
- Argentina haven’t won the Copa America since 1993. Incredibly, they have bee runners up in four of the last six matches but they only reached the semi-finals of the 2019 version in Brazil two years ago. A lack of an international trophy is something often thrown at Lionel Messi so the motivation for one of, if not the greatest, players of all time will be high.
- Solidity has been increased but there is a potentially unconvincing streak in this Argentina side. Back-to-back qualifying draws against Colombia and Chile in the build-up to this tournament has extended their unbeaten run to 13 matches in all competitions since their semi-final defeat at the aforementioned previous tournament.
CHILE
- Intensity has often been the key description of Chile’s footballing style and culture in the 2010s under the coaching of Marcelo Bielsa and Jorge Sampaoli. However, despite players remaining from that vintage, this could be a step too far for that style of play due to the ageing nature. Claudio Bravo is the oldest of a 28-man squad that consists of ten players over the age of 30.
- Recent results have been steady but a disappointing 1-1 draw at home to Bolivia in qualifying cancelled out what had been an impressive 1-1 draw against Argentina at the start of this month. They are now unbeaten in six matches but have failed to keep a clean sheet on eight occasions in their last ten matches.
- A reason for Chile’s ageing squad will be linked to being potentially over-loyal but also a lack of players coming through at the required level. An example of that will be Blackburn’s Ben Brereton being called up despite having scored just 17 Championship goals in 133 appearances at two clubs. This would indicate an over-reliance on a group of players that have declined in recent years failing to qualify for the 2018 World Cup.
THE PREDICTION
Argentina are the better side and have the better players but Chile’s team-orientated culture and tactical approach has seen them have successful Copa America’s. A 1-1 draw a week or so ago in the qualification for next year’s World Cup seems a very strong indication for what this match might be. Argentina will be slight favourites but a double chance bet in their favour would be the more sensible option.
