Ahead of this Copa América (CA) 3rd place play-off, Argentina look primed to establish their dominance over Chile in the all-time series (W58, D24, L6). That noted, Argentina failed to win their opening two games, even when as clear pre-match favorites.
After that ‘false start’ Argentina strung together two consecutive 2-0 victories. Notably, four of Argentina’s five CA matches have now ended 2-0 one way or the other (W2, D1, L2), and that could yet combine with the fact that no Argentina side has yet lost against a team fielded by Chile coach Reinaldo Rueda (W2, D3).
That noted, Chile is not huge underdogs, having lost just three of their last 17 matches at these finals: W10, D4, L3 (90 minutes only). Chile has scored an average of 2.06 goals per match across the aforementioned period, although they managed just one goal in three matches vs Argentina across it.
In the event of a penalty shootout, Chile could also utilize their residual momentum from previous campaigns, having beaten Argentina on penalties in two of the last three CA finals meetings.
Players to watch: Lautaro Martínez (ARG) has scored a first-half opener in two of their last three matches, he has been booked in their last two.
Eduardo Vargas scored a third of Chile’s goals, prior to their barren run of 339 minutes of football without a goal from open play up to this point.
Stat attack: With 15 yellow cards, Argentina is the worst-disciplined side in this year’s CA (3.0 per-match on average).
Reinaldo Rueda is unbeaten in two of his three encounters with higher-ranked opposition during his reign as Chile head coach (W1, D1, L1).
Four of the last five competitive H2Hs have now seen the half-time scoreline match the one recorded at full-time.
Will not play
Acuna M.
(Yellow Cards)
Martinez L.
(Yellow Cards)
Match Information
Referee: de Vivar M. D. (Par),
Venue: Arena Corinthians (Sao Paulo)