Mexico and Chile will look to get their squad in order when the two teams meet in their last warmup match before the start of the Copa America 2016. The special 100-year celebratory tournament begins from Friday, and with both teams looking to be in contention for the title, this battle of the heavyweights in San Diego will be an interesting one.
Both teams come into the final warmup in contrasting form. While Mexico are unbeaten in their last 18 matches, going all the way back to last year's Copa America, Chile are on a difficult run at the moment, losing three of their last four, including the latest one – a 2-1 loss to Jamaica.
Chile have struggled to adapt to their new coach Juan Antonio Pizzi, having enjoyed so much success under Jorge Sampaoli, including the Copa America title on home soil last year. However, figure out a way to pick up wins they must, if they plan to make it two Copa America wins in two years.
"The list of 23 players were chosen because we believe they can contribute," Pizzi was quoted as saying by Goal.com. "We believe the level of the players we have, leaving me calm that they are good players. Time will define the performances that everyone has."
Chile will be boosted by the arrivals of Arturo Vidal and Marcelo Diaz, while Miguel Layun, Jesus Corona, Diego Reyes, Hector Herrera and Raul Jimenez are all set to feature for Mexico after linking up with their national team.
Coach Juan Carlos Osorio has built a really strong team since taking over. Mexico have won six of their last six international matches, and crucially they haven't conceded even a single goal in any of those. There lies their strength, and if Mexico can keep that up, they will be a real contender for the Copa America Centenario.
Osorio believes Chile, with the likes of Alexis Sanchez and Vidal in the team, are also title contenders, despite their patchy form, and Mexico will know how far they have come when they play in this friendly on Wednesday.
"It's a great opportunity to play against a rival with elite players," Osorio told ESPNFC. "It's no coincidence they won [the last] Copa America."
Where to Watch Live
Mexico vs Chile is scheduled for a 10 p.m. ET (7.30 a.m. IST, 3 a.m. BST) start. Below are the live TV and live streaming options.
India: No TV or online coverage.
USA: TV: FuboTV and Unimas.
Mexico: TV: Canal 5, TDN and Fox. Live Streaming: Fox Play.
Chile and rest of Latin America: TV: Fox Sports. Live Streaming: Fox Play.
