The 2015 Copa America will get off to an explosive start on Thursday when host nation Chile takes on Ecuador in the opening match of the tournament.
It's been four years since we last saw the prestigious tournament take place as Chile looks to end a 99-year drought as Champions. Despite not finishing in the top four in 2011, Chile has a good chance to make the Finals this year after an impressive performance in the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
Chile enters this year's tournament as the favorite out of Group A. They are ranked No. 19 in the latest FIFA World Rankings. Thankfully for Chile, they may have the best goalkeeper in the tournament in Claudio Bravo. Bravo played for FC Barcelona this year, and is coming off a season in which Barca won the Treble Title (Champions League, Copa del Rey, and La Liga) for the second time in history.
This year's squad also features to outstanding players from the English Premier League in Arsenal striker Alexis Sanchez and Juventus midfielder Arturo Vidal, fresh off a UEFA Champions League Final performance as well.
Ecuador enters the tournament after a disappointing 2014 World Cup performance saw them not advance out of group play. They are ranked No. 31 in the World rankings, and could be a legitimate dark horse in this year's tournament.
They will have to advance out of Group A that features Chile, Bolivia and Mexico. Ecuador should have no problem with Bolivia, and thankfully, Mexico is playing with their "B Team" as El Tri sends their top tier players to the Gold Cup in July.
La Tricolor is led by manager Gustavo Quinteros and features a high-octane offense that centers around Enner Valencia. Ecuador has struggled against Chile, losing their last three matches to the South American country by a combined score of 18-4. They have fallen short in their last 11 matches to Chile overall and have allowed 43 goals to La Roja over that span.
Chile is 3-1 in their last four opening matches since 1999, with their only loss coming to Brazil in 2003. We expect them to have an easy time in this one especially with their home crowd behind them. Prediction: 2-1 Chile Betting Favorite: Chile -1 Over/Under: 2.5 goals.
Chile and Ecuador are set to kick off at 7:30 PM EST from the Estadio Nacional in Santiago, Chile. The game will air live on beIN Sports Network and can be live streamed here.
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