Chile too hot to handle
Chile take on Peru in what is an unlikely Copa America semi-final. Can the impressive la Roja overcome the determined Peruvians? Read our preview here:
Peru the surprise package
If you had told me that Peru would be in the Copa America semi-finals before the start of the tournament I would have scoffed. They appeared, on paper, to stand little chance of progressing this far considering their inconsistent results prior to kick off and given their less than impressive results in the group stage.
The 0-0 draw with Venezuela was followed up with a vital 3-1 win against Bolivia but they were horribly exposed when they took on the hosts.
Brazil tore them apart and were 3-0 up by half-time before sealing a convincing 5-0 win with a brace after the break. This result could have knocked the confidence of Ricardo Gareca’s side but they showed a lot of character to overcome Uruguay in the quarter-finals.
Although the game was won on penalties, Peru had to withstand some heavy pressure and failed to have a single shot on target. They will need to do the same against Chile if they are to stand any chance of making the most unlikely of final appearances.
Sanchez still got it
Chile getting to the semi-final is not such a shock but is still an excellent achievement. They have seen the bright side of Alexis Sanchez which has been totally eclipsed at Old Trafford by a lack of confidence.
This player is the same guy who was far too good for Udinese, brilliant at Barca, excellent for most of his time at Arsenal and then stifled by Mourinho at Manchester United.
His performances and two goals in Brazil prove he is still able to produce at the highest level and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will be taking note.
Chile good against the weak
Chile are the kind of side that tend to make light work of sides lacking in that bit of quality. They trounced Japan before edging out Ecuador but failed to break down Uruguay in their final group match.
The quarter-final win against Colombia was a disciplined performance and one that they should really have won before it got to penalties.
They know this is their best chances of making the final they will probably get for some time and so will look to take it with both hands.
Chile vs Peru betting tip
Given Chile have played well and found a defensive resilience they lacked before the start of the tournament, it is hard to see them struggling to get past Peru. In fact, backing Chile to win at odds of 10/11 is really the only way you should be looking here.
