Four Argentinians plot final tickets
FIFA.com
The Copa America in Chile has reached the semi-final stage, with two matches that promise much in the way of excitement and good football. Hosts Chile take on Peru in the latest edition of El Clásico del Pacífico, a fixture with a long and spicy history, while Argentina and Paraguay meet for the second time in the competition, having earlier faced off in the group phase. And for the first time in the tournament’s history, each of the four semi-finalists have an Argentinian in the dugout. FIFA.com previews the two ties.
Chile-Peru
Back in the semi-finals for the first time in 16 years, Chile have played entertaining, offensive football so far. In the group phase, the hosts saw off Ecuador 2-0, drew 3-3 with Mexico in a thrilling encounter and coasted to a 5-0 defeat of Bolivia, before going on to beat defending champions Uruguay 1-0 in a high-octane quarter-final. Packed with quality players, Jorge Sampaoli’s side has the home fans believing that the nation’s very first Copa America triumph may be just around the corner.
Peru have improved as the competition has gone on, bouncing back from conceding a late goal in a 2-1 reverse at the hands of Brazil to down Venezuela 1-0 and then share the points in a goalless draw with Colombia. Paolo Guerrero was the hero of their 3-1 win over Bolivia in the last eight, scoring a hat-trick to send his side through to the semis, a stage the Peruvians also reached at Argentina 2011. Coached by Ricardo Gareca, La Bicolor are dreaming of their first Copa win since 1975, a dream few would have given them much hope of achieving at the start of the competition.
Player to watch
Alexis Sanchez (Chile)
Buoyed by his excellent season with Arsenal in England, the Chilean is one of the stars of the Copa America. With his mazy dribbling and sharp finishing, the livewire forward is one of the foundation blocks of Chile’s attacking brand of football. Though he has but one goal to his name so far, against Bolivia, El Niño Maravilla is anxious to add to that tally and repay the faith La Roja have in him.
The stat
19 - The number of times Chile and Peru have played each other in the Copa America. La Roja have won seven of those games, La Bicolor six, while the other six ended in draws.
Jorge Sampaoli, Chile coach
“I can see Peru waiting for us in midfield, though as the match goes on they’ll come out of their shell and look to make their individual ability count in our half of the pitch. What type of game it becomes will depend on us.”
Ricardo Gareca, Peru coach
“Chile are title candidates. We know that and we know we need to concentrate for the whole 90 minutes. They’re one of those teams that push you to do that. It’s a different game and we need to improve in a few areas.”
Argentina-Paraguay
One of the favourites for the title and boasting a stellar side containing the likes of Lionel Messi, Sergio Aguero, Angel Di Maria and Carlos Tevez, Argentina have found goals hard to come by in reaching the last four, having scored the fewest of the four teams still in the competition. Gerardo Martino’s men kicked off with a 2-2 draw with Paraguay before overcoming Uruguay and Jamaica by the same 1-0 scoreline. They then proceeded to spurn a host of chances against Colombia in the last eight and only advanced after a penalty shootout. Aiming for a place in the final for the first time in eight years, La Albiceleste are intent on winning their first Copa since 1993.
Paraguay’s run to the semis has provided them with a major morale boost after their recent difficulties. Los Guaraníes emerged from the group phase after drawing 2-2 with Argentina, beating Jamaica 1-0 and playing out a 1-1 draw with Uruguay, the prelude to a keenly contested 1-1 draw with Brazil in the quarters, a tie the Paraguayans went on to win on penalties. Ramon Diaz’s side know exactly what they are about, keeping things tight at the back and launching long balls forward for their front men to contest. Losing finalists four years ago, they have designs on going one step further this time.
Player to watch
Derlis Gonzalez (Paraguay)
The young striker was the hero of the victory over Brazil in the previous round, scoring the penalty that levelled the tie up in normal time and then stepping up to the spot again in the shootout to send his side through. Coach Diaz has high hopes for the gifted and goal-hungry Gonzalez, faith that is symbolised by the No10 jersey he has handed him.
The stat
0 - the number of times that Paraguay have beaten Argentina in their 23 meetings the history of the competition. La Albiceleste have won 18 of those games, the other five ending in draws.
Gerardo Martino, Argentina coach
“Everything will be difficult from now on and it’s been a very challenging Copa America. We have an outstanding team, though, and they play good football with pride."
Ramon Diaz, Paraguay coach
“Argentina are the better side, but this team has got a lot of spirit and we’re going to fight. We’ve got experience, quality, skill, pride and the right temperament."
Match schedule, semi-finals
Monday 29 June, 7.30pm T&T time, Estadio Nacional, Santiago
Chile-Peru
Tuesday 30 June, 7.30pm T&T time, Estadio Ester Roa Rebolledo, Concepcion
Argentina-Paraguay