Colombia to knock out the holders in last eight

The holders face their biggest test yet in the last eight of the Copa America, up against a Colombia side that have been firing on all cylinders and are yet to concede in the tournament. Amidst heaps of criticism since his January 2018 move to Manchester United, Chile talisman Alexis Sanchez has been back to his best and will pose a threat to denting Colombia’s dark horse title bid on Saturday morning. On paper Colombia get through, but Chile have been there and done it before and in recent memory with a similar squad, this is a great tie that could go all the way.

Recent form

Not only have they kept a clean sheet in every match so far, Colombia usually get a good result when they put in a strong defensive display. With 18 of their last 19 victories in the Copa America having been accompanied by a clean sheet after 90 minutes. Carlos Queiroz’s men are well equipped in front of goal as well having got on the scoresheet in 14 of their last 15 encounters with all of their last six games bringing under 2.5 goals. The Coffee Growers shocked many by topping Group B, five points clear of Argentina in second. Both teams have scored in none of their last six internationals.

The Chileans have scored in eight of their last nine, the exception to that being in their most recent match, a 1-0 defeat to Uruguay. Only one clean sheet in their last eight does not stand up against the Colombians but they have a superior Copa America head-to-head record which will give them confidence going into this one. In 11 outings versus Colombia, Chile have won seven, drawn two and lost two. Both sides have got on the scoresheet in only one of their last six encounters.

Ones to Watch

Colombia striker Duvan Zapata is fairly new to the international scene but he has taken to it extremely well. With three goals in his last four, surprisingly all of them have come beyond the 85^th minute, suggesting that he could play a part if the game goes into extra time which looks likely. James Rodriguez has assisted two of his nations’ four tournament goals and has the ability to dictate play against La Roja’s ageing midfield.

Chile will rely on their experienced big game players in Alexis Sanchez and Arturo Vidal in their bid to become the first nation since 1947 to win three Copa Americas on the bounce. Sanchez has scored four in his last five with all of those goals coming in the second half which suits this fixture. Vidal has 105 caps for his country and with Juventus, Bayern Munich and Barcelona on his CV, King Arthur is no stranger to a big game, and you can be sure he will leave everything out on the pitch.

Colombia to beat Chile in a very close tie, that will go beyond 90 minutes. With their pace, creativity and experience in attack I feel they will just have enough to get past a fragile Chilean defence.

Colombia – Chile Betting Tip

Colombia to Qualify + Under 3.5 goals with William Hill at odds of 9/10.

Bet Colombia to Win + Under 3.5 goals on William Hill