Only a loss for Chile will see them finish second, with the reigning Copa América (CA) holders winning both prior group games in this year’s edition. Both games saw Chile win the second half ‘to-nil’, handing them a first ‘perfect’ two-game start to a CA tournament since 2001.
Despite this, there is still room for defensive improvement, with six of Chile’s last seven outings seeing both teams score. The last three games of the six in that category saw the first two match goals equally shared, and Chile started sluggishly in all of that trio, conceding exactly once in the opening half-hour.
Uruguay has been hugely entertaining for the neutrals, with each of their prior group games in this CA tournament seeing exactly four-match goals either way. Both games have seen Uruguay score (at least) the second and fourth goals of the day.
Overall, scoring first could be important if they want to win the group. Indeed, prior to their 2-2 draw against Japan last time out, three of Uruguay’s four preceding matches had seen them score first inside the opening 15 minutes and go on to keep a clean sheet.
Players to watch: A popular pick to score anytime for Chile, Alexis Sánchez has scored (once) in each CA game so far, with both goals arriving in the second half.
Uruguayan hitman Luis Suárez also has two in two so far this tournament, with both goals arriving in the first half.
Stat attack: Chile has gone five CA matches (since June 2016) without conceding from open play.
Half of Uruguay’s six CA goals in 2019 have come in the 15 minutes prior to half-time.
The last two CA H2H meetings have produced a goalless first half.
Additionally, only one of the last seven CONMEBOL zone World Cup qualification H2Hs has seen both teams score before the break.
Match Information
Referee: Claus R. (Bra),
Venue: Maracanã (Rio de Janeiro)