It is a winner-takes-all scenario when Chile take on Canada in their final Group A fixture at Copa America 2024.
As they aim to secure a place in the 2024 Copa America knockout rounds, tournament newcomers Canada face off against Chile at the Inter & Co. Stadium in Florida on Sunday. With just two points separating them in Group A, this match is set to be a crucial encounter, assigning high stakes to the first-ever clash between both counties.
Canada etched their names in the history books on Wednesday by clinching their first-ever victory at the Copa America, defeating 10-man Peru in a challenging 1-0 match under sweltering conditions at Children’s Mercy Park in Kansas. The game turned in Canada’s favour after Peru’s Miguel Araujo was sent off for a dangerous tackle just before the hour mark. Jonathan David, celebrating his 50th cap, scored the decisive goal 16 minutes from time.
Under new head coach Jesse Marsch, Canada had struggled initially, failing to score or win in their first three games, which included heavy defeats to the Netherlands (4-0) and Argentina (2-0), and a goalless draw with France. However, their landmark victory over Peru showcased significant progress and provided a morale boost for the team.
Canada now sit in second place in Group A with three points. A win on Sunday would ensure their progression to the quarter-finals. A draw might also suffice, provided Peru does not upset group leaders Argentina.
Two-time Copa America champions Chile, who won the tournament in 2015 and 2016, face the prospect of an early exit for the first time since 2004, having garnered only one point from their first two matches. After a goalless draw with Peru, they suffered a last-minute 1-0 defeat to Argentina, with Lautaro Martinez scoring the decisive goal in the 88th minute.
Chile’s manager Ricardo Gareca, one of the few to have coached in five different Copa Americas, expressed his disappointment at the late defeat but vowed that his team would give everything in their crucial match against Canada.
Chile is currently third in Group A, level on points with fourth-placed Peru and two points behind second-placed Canada. To secure a top-two finish, La Roja must beat Canada and hope to better Peru’s result against Argentina. With much at stake including pride, it promises to be an intriguing contest. The Hard Tackle delves into the potential elevens and tactics for this clash.
Team News & Tactics
Canada
Jesse Marsch got his substitutions right last time around against Peru and now can make history by leading his side to the knockout stage in their first-ever appearance at the Copa America.
With Chile having to take the game to their opponents, the focus should be on Canada to harness their best players and get them into positions to hit the South American side on the counter. Pushing Alphonso Davies upfield is one way they can achieve that.
A 4-2-3-1 formation should give them the impetus to gain the upper hand in the middle of the park. Maxime Crépeau should start in goal behind the back four of Alistair Johnston, Moïse Bombito, Kamal Miller and Richie Laryea.
Jonathan Osorio and Stephen Eustáquio should form the double pivot, with Tajon Buchanan, Jonathan David and Davies forming the upfield thrust. Cyle Larin should lead the line on the night.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Crepeau; Johnston, Bombito, Miller, Laryea; Osorio, Eustaquio; Buchanan, David, Davies; Larin
Chile
It is do or die for Chile who have not exited the competition at this stage since 2004. The South Americans were held to an opening day draw by Peru before falling at the hands of world champions Argentina on the second game.
A major reason for their struggles has been the lack of finishing up front. La Roja have yet to score in this tournament, despite managing 14 shots, only four of which were on target. This is a stark contrast to the eight goals they scored in Gareca’s first three matches in charge earlier this year.
Alexis Sanchez, Erick Pulgar, and Victor Davila are all just one booking away from suspension but given the stakes are unlikely to run from the fight on the night. Chile are expected to go in with a 4-2-3-1 formation with Claudio Bravo in goal. He should be protected by the back four of Mauricio Isla, Igor Lichnovsky, Paulo Diaz, and Gabriel Suazo.
Marcelino Núñez and Erick Pulgar should form the double pivot, with Darío Osorio, Alexis Sanchez, and Ben Brereton Díaz providing the forward impetus. Eduardo Vargas is expected to lead the line upfront.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Bravo; Isla, Lichnovsky, Diaz, Suazo; Nunez, Pulgar; Osorio, Sanchez, Diaz; Vargas
Key Stats
- Peru and Chile have never faced off against each other before in senior-level men’s football.
- Canada have only beaten a CONMEBOL opponent twice this century, defeating Colombia in the 2000 Gold Cup final and Peru in the previous game.
- Cyle Larin can emerge as Canada’s eighth-highest goalscorer should he find the back of the net on the night.
- Chile have not exited the Copa America in the first stage since 2004.
- Chile are one of three sides to have played two Copa America games this summer and yet to find the net.
Player to Watch
Dario Osorio
The 20-year-old winger is the new kid on the block and has pace and drive to burn. Heavily linked with a move to Liverpool, the Chile ace is certainly turning heads with his performances this summer.
Osorio will once again be Chile’s outlet down the right flank and will hope to get in behind the Canadian defence. This should also keep Alphonso Davis on his toes, keeping him from starting too far forward, leaving Chile open to the counter.
Prediction
Canada 1-1 Chile
The stakes are high as both Canada and Chile vie for a place in the knockout stages of the Copa America. While Canada aims to continue its historic run, Chile will need to to just secure the win but also outdo Peru who will play Argentina on the night. The Hard Tackle predicts a 1-1 draw with Canada progressing to the knockouts.