Chile are all set to take on Peru in the first semi-final of the Copa America 2015 at Estadio Nacional Julio Martinez Pradanos on Monday, 29 June.
Hosts Chile have been impressive so far in this tournament. They have comfortably made it to the semi-final stages of the tournament. They have also scored the most number of goals so far and would look to add more to their tally.
Chile sailed into the last four after defeating Uruguay in the semi-final by 1-0. Mauricio Isla was the unlikely hero who opened the deadlock in the 81st minute of the controversial match. Edinson Cavani of Uruguay was red-carded for an unfortunate banter with Chile's Jara, but later it was found that latter was at fault and now he has been banned for three matches. This would mean he will not be featuring in Copa America 2015 any further.
Meanwhile, Peru have also shown some character after their first defeat against Brazil in the group stages. They have only conceded one goal after that match and that too from a penalty kick in their match against Bolivia in the quarter finals. Their rivalry with Chile is football's fiercest, yet barely known to many. Peru's record against Chile is not that impressive as La Roja have emerged victorious 41 out 77 times the two have played. Peru have only managed to win one game in thier last 10 clashes since 2006.
Paolo Guerrero stole the show in the quarter final against Bolivia that La Incas had won comfortably. Guerrero netted a hat-trick and has equalled Arturo Vidal's tally of goals. He will be a crucial man for Ricardo Gareca during Monday's clash against Chile.
"With respect to being 'favourites', I don't agree. We will face a team that is confident and which has a stronger attacking game than Uruguay. The opponents which we have to face are playing well and are doing well against strong teams.
"They have four key players (Christian Cueva, Jefferson Farfán, Paolo Guerrero and Claudio Pizarro) in the final third, similar to Ecuador, two feisty midfielders in (Josepmir) Ballón and (Carlos) Lobatón and quick wingers. If we keep the ball well we can control their strikers, who are very dangerous," said Chile coach Jorge Sampaoli at a press conference.
On the other hand, Peru head coach Ricardo Gareca feels that his side should exploit the pressure on Chile. The crowd will be right behind the host nation and a lot of expectations are surrounding Sampaoli's men and that could well be Chile's detriment, believes Los Incas' head coach Gareca.
"Chile have a lot of pressure - a heavy burden to win due to being hosts - and we will try to take advantage.They have players capable of replacing Jara, it will not change much. I do not see the match as complex. It will be 11 against 11. We can give a good show," Gareca said
Expected Line-ups:
Chile: Bravo; Medel, Isla, Mena, Albornoz; Díaz, Aránguiz, Vidal; Valdivia; Sanchez, Vargas.
Peru: Gallese; Vargas, Advincula, Zambrano, Ascues; Lobatón, Ballón, Cueva, Sánchez; Farfán, Guerrero
Where to Watch Live
The Semi Final match between Chile and Peru is scheduled for 8:30pm local time (5am IST, 12:30am BST, 7:30pm ET) with live coverage in India on Sony Kix and Sony Six HD. Live streaming option is available on Livsports.
The UK viewers can switch to Premier Sports. Copa America Semi Final 1 can be live-streamed on Premier Player.
People in the US can watch the match live on beIn Sports and stream the same on beIn Sports Connect, Fubo TV and TYC Sports.com.
Viewers in Australia can live stream the match on beIn Sports Connect Australia.
Middle East viewers can watch the match live on beIn Sports Arabia 1 HD and beIn Sports Arabia 2 HD.
