Chile winger Eduardo Vargas. (Photo : Getty Images)
South American giants Colombia and Chile are set to square off in the semifinals of the 2016 Copa América Centenario on Wednesday, June 22 at the Soldier Field in Chicago. The winner will earn the right to face the victor of the tournament's other semis match between the United States and Argentina in the final.
Colombia barged into the knockout stages by placing second in Group A behind USMNT, who they beat 2-0 during the opening day of the competitions.
Manager José Pékerman's squad, currently ranked third in the world by FIFA, then defeated surprise quarterfinalist Peru via a penalty shootout, 4-2, after they finished regulation time in a goalless draw at the MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford last Friday, as per Goal.
James Rodriguez, Juan Cuadrado, Dayro Moreno and Sebastian Perez all successfully made their penalty kicks to come out victorious from the shootout while Arsenal goalkeeper David Ospina was able to prevent Peru defender Miguel Trauco from scoring with a foot save and São Paulo winger Christian Cueva hitting his shot wide over the bar.
It was the first time since 2004 that Los Cafeteros advanced past the final eight as they had been unsuccessful in the quarters during the past three Copas.
Meanwhile, defending champions Chile, ranked fifth in the world by FIFA, had a shaky group stage stint as they were bracketed together with world no. 1 Argentina, who dominated Group D competitions.
La Roja lost its tournament-opener to La Albiceleste, 1-2, but they had been undefeated since then s their overall form is slowly going on an upward trajectory.
Head coach Juan Antonio Pizzi's side demolished tough team Mexico, 7-0, in their quarterfinals affair held at the Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara last Saturday, ESPN reported.
Hoffenheim striker Eduardo Vargas scored a stunning four goals, Necaxa forward Edson Puch had a brace, and Arsenal winger Alexis Sanchez added one of his own, including two assists, to lead the Chilean onslaught over El Tri.
It was quite a surprising result in a match anticipated to be one of the most competitive in the tourney, but the defending champs looked determined to bounce back from their previous lackluster performances right from the kickoff.
The predicted result is a 3-1 win for Chile.
Colombia starting lineup (4-2-3-1 formation): Ospina; Arias, Zapata, Murillo, Diaz; Sanchez, Torres; Cuadrado, Cardona, Rodriguez; Bacca
Chile starting lineup (4-3-3 formation): Bravo; Fuenzalida, Medel, Jara, Beausejour; Aranguiz, Diaz, Vidal; Puch, Vargas, Sanchez
