Copa America – Quarter-final – Chile flirting with cup success
By David, BettingExpert.com | Edited
In recent years Chile have grown to become one of the most important teams in South America. Their last official adventure was however brought to an end by the fear they showed in front of Brazil in the World Cup. Can they show they have matured enough to contend the title to the big guns in their region?
Chile – Venezuela
Venezuela have reached new heights in this competition and manager Farias, the youngest in this tournament at 38 years of age and with a victory over Brazil in a qualifier to back his claim for greatness, is hoping that the players keep proving they are not yet satisfied with what has been achieved so far.
The South American side which had to travel most to get to Argentina for this Copa America was also ranked lowest amongst the teams truly belonging to this geographical region. However, as the level of the game keeps increasing in most of the fringe countries which used to play second fiddle to Argentina, Brazil and even Paraguay and Uruguay, a healthy equilibrium looks to be settling in.
Gone are the days when Bolivia and Venezuela used to collect the ball from their net four or five times every game. As the classic big nations kept producing talent which they promptly exported to European leagues, the countries less known for their displays on the football pitch sought to focus on making good use of their lower resources. One should not wonder how inept the coaches of Brazil and Argentina have proven themselves since being given the authority to lead their respective national sides. Should awards be given for the better managers both nations would rank in the lower places of a virtual table.
The coaches of less renowned sides have been more capable so far, showing good knowledge of tactics, sometimes on levels close to those of European teams. Chile have been investing in taking ‘la Roja’ to new heights, having brought in Bielsa and later Borghi, who is the present manager of the team. During their tenure the national team of Argentina’s neighbours have grown to play what is perhaps the most elegant football style in South America so far.
Chileans find themselves cheering one of the most talented national teams the country has ever bestowed its eyes upon. Back in the days it was just Zamorano and Salas who kept the team afloat with their goals. Nowadays, although the defence can definitely benefit from some better players, talent seems to be well distributed from the midfield upwards. The team still suffers the absence of a great finisher like Zamorano or Salas but build up is top notch.
With that said, however, can their game prove enough to help them overcome the inferiority complex they have often suffered against Argentina and Brazil? The latter were the team they succumbed to in the 2010 World Cup finals.
The Venezuelans have less weapons to point at Chile. Theirs is still a team which is improving but that should come as no surprise for an atypical South American country which national sport is not football but baseball, perhaps because of their close geographical relation to the United States.
Beausejour is out of contention for ‘la Roja’ after having seen red in the match against Peru.
Verdict: Chile -1
Venezuela have proven their point. They are growing as a football nation. Their project, however, is far behind that of Chile which have made clear statements as to their ambitions in this tournament. They will not be waiting for Venezuela and should push on from the start. The absence of a true striker may hinder their chances of closing this game early on though.
Write a comment
Please read our debate etiquette before commenting
| 
|