The 2015 edition of the largest continental soccer tournament in South America is down to its final eight teams, and the first of four elimination matches takes place on Wednesday when hosts, Chile tackle defending Champions Uruguay.
On paper, this match should be heavily favored towards Uruguay. They are the reigning 2011 Copa América Champions, the 8th ranked team in the world, and have won the prized tournament more than any other country in history. However, matches aren't played on paper, and Chile plans to crush the champions.
Chile may be the #19 ranked team in the world according to FIFA's latest rankings, but the top seed out of Group A is playing like the top team in South America at the moment. Chile cruised through the group stages, defeating both Ecuador and Bolivia before a 2-2 draw with Mexico.
The Chileans have never won the Copa America tournament after failing in the finals four previous times. However, they will never have a more unique opportunity to win the tournament than they will this year after suspensions, injuries and luck have given the host country the easiest path to the final in Santiago.
Bolivia shocked Mexico and Ecuador by making out of Group A as the second seed, similarly, Peru was the surprise second seed out of Group C, advancing ahead of both Colombia and Venezuela. Chile will play the winner of Bolivia and Peru in the semifinals, a match up that the country who leads the entire tournament in goals will be the favorite in. If they can get past either team, they will square off against a Neymar-less Brazil or an Argentina team that could be without Angel di Maria. First however, they must get past Uruguay. Uruguay was nearly eliminated from the tournament in the group stages, narrowly advancing out of Group B as the No. 3 seed behind Argentina and Paraguay. Uruguay's star striker Luis Suarez, is out for the entirety of the tournament due to his international suspension after biting Italian defender Giorgio Chiellini in the 2014 World Cup.
Without Suarez, Uruguay has struggled scoring the ball in this tournament, and this could be their downfall against the hosts. They have scored only two goals the entire tournament compared to Chile's ten. Their defense, led by captain Diego Godin has been elite, but Edinson Cavani has been held scoreless and will need to find the back of the net against Chile.
Chile's star player Arturo Vidal was involved in a drunk driving accident last week, but thankfully for La Roja, he was not suspended and will be ready to go on Wednesday. Jorge Valdivia and Matias Fernáandez make up one of the best midfields in South America, and goalkeeper Claudio Bravo has two shutouts thus far in the tournament. The FC Barcelona netkeeper and team captain has been the best goalie in the Copa America campaign.
Prediction: 2-0 Chile
Betting Favorite: Chile -1/2 goal
Over/Under 2.5 Goals
Chile and Uruguay will kickoff on Wednesday, June 24 at 7:30PM EST in Santiago, Chile. The game will air live on beIN Sports Network, and can be live streamed here.
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