2015 Copa America: Chile vs Bolivia preview

June 18, 2015
By: Nemanja Lazarevic

Chile vs BoliviaHosts Chile only need one point to secure the first place in the group, but no doubt they will be looking to record another morale-boosting win.

Bolivia shocked Ecuador in the second group game to all but secure their place in the next stage, and now hope to progress to the knockout stages unbeaten.

Chile came incredibly close to upsetting hosts Brazil and reaching the final stages of the 2014 World Cup, but they eventually lost on penalties and had to settle for a place in the Last 16 stage.

Nevertheless, La Roja quickly started their preparations for the 2015 Copa America, where they plan to try and lift the coveted trophy.

Things started well for Jorge Sampaoli’s charges as they enjoyed a 2-0 win over Bolivia, although they then suffered a slip-up and shared spoils with Mexico.

However, Chile fans were more concerned by the news that Arturo Vidal had been arrested for drunk driving, although he has since rejoined the national team.

And with Jorge Sampaoli adamant that Juventus midfielder will not lose his place in the side, bear in mind that Chile are 1.33 (1/3) to defeat Bolivia.

Other key player Alexis Sanchez suffered a minor injury in training, but he has since been passed fit and should be able to start.

Probable starting line-up (3-4-2-1): Bravo – Medel, Jara, Albornoz – Isla, Diaz, Aranguiz, Vargas – Vidal, Valdivia – Sanchez.

Bolivia were pretty disappointing in the 2014 World Cup qualifiers, taking mere 12 points from 16 matches to finish tied on points with bottom-placed Paraguay.

As a result, they were seen as one of the major underdogs at the 2015 Copa America, but El Verde quickly proved the doubters wrong.

The opening goalless draw with Mexico hinted they might surprise one or two sides, before the impressive performance against Ecuador saw them team come on the verge of qualifying for the knockout stages.

Even if the opposition eventually scored two goals, the 3-2 win served as a major confidence boost for Bolivia, who are now 3.55 (23/9) to finish the group stage unbeaten.

The latest reports suggest that midfielder Jhasmani Campos could recover in time to face Chile, but he will probably have to settle for a place on the bench.

Probable starting line-up (4-2-3-1): Quinones – Hurtado, Raldes, Zenteno, Morales – D. Bejarano, Chumacero – Smedberg, Lizio, Pedriel – Martins.

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