Copa America: Chile vs Peru preview

July 11, 2011
By: Frank Beresford

While some could think that this might not be a very interesting game considering that both sides have already secured passage into the quarter-finals, that is not entirely true.

Chile are Peru are fierce rivals and will give their best to win this game, not only to earn the bragging rights but also to finish top of the group.

Chile do look like favourites here following the good showings in games against Mexico and Uruguay, and odds of 1.80 (4/5) offered by Victor Chandler on home win are not bad at all.

La Roja are unbeaten in last 10 games in all competitions, so it is little wonder they are brimming with confidence before the Peru game.

Claudio Borghi will have Jorge Valdivia back to the side after the midfielder recovered from illness, but Mauricio Isla is unlikely to be risked as he is not fully fit.

Matias Fernandez remains an injury doubt and if he fails to recover in time, Luis Gimenez will take his place.

Probable starting line-up (3-5-2): Bravo – Contreras, Ponce, Jara – Carmona, Medel, Jimenez, Vidal, Beausejour – Sanchez, Suazo.

Peru were not really considered one of the favourites to go through from group C, although their chances increased when it was revealed that Mexico would be severely weakened in Argentina.

La Blanquirroja did well to get one point from their opening game against Uruguay, while the victory over Mexico meant that Peru have qualified for the quarter-finals.

Even if they lose this game Peru will finish as one of the two best third-placed teams at worst, meaning that they are already through and that is why coach Sergio Markarian is expected to rest several key players in this match.

The boss has already announced that Salomon Libman will replace Raul Fernandez in goal, while we are likely to see few more changes to the starting line-up.

Probable starting line-up (4-4-2): Libman – Carmona, Acasiete, Rodriguez, Wilchez – Balbin, Guevara, Ballon, Vargas – Guerrero, Yotun.

We Highly Recommend These Places
Share your Opinion!