Chile enforcer Gary Medel believes the hosts will have to give a flawless defensive performance if they are to defeat Argentina’s star-studded line-up in Saturday’s Copa America final.
Argentina, spearheaded by their “Fantastic Four” of Lionel Messi, Javier Pastore, Sergio Aguero and Angel Di Maria, arrive in the final brimming with confidence after thrashing Paraguay 6-1 in the semi-finals.
Inter Milan star Medel said while there were no plans to man-mark Messi, Chile’s defence would need to be at its best if they wanted to help the team win a first Copa America crown.
“We will have to produce a perfect game in defense,” said Medel, whose rugged defending has seen him nicknamed “Pitbull”.
Medel meanwhile said Chile would also give Argentina plenty of food for thought.
“We are in the final on merit,” Medel said.
“We have shown much more than other teams, and with Argentina, we have been the best team in the tournament.”
Medel admitted Chile’s players were driven by the prospect of ending 99 years of hurt. The Chileans have never won the Copa America.
“We hope that we are champions. We are playing to achieve our dream and the dream of all of Chile. It will not be easy because we are playing a great team,” he added.
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“The only thing I’m thinking about is to be a champion with my people, with my family, to everyone who has supported us,” he said.
By AFP