Colombia vs. Chile Copa America 2016 Preview, Live Stream, Prediction, Schedule As James Rodriguez Tries to Stop Surging Champs
Colombia and Chile face off in the Copa America semifinal on Thursday at 8 p.m. EDT.
Schedule and Start Time
The game gets started at 8 p.m. EDT and can be viewed on Univision or Fox Sports 1. It can also be live streamed via fuboTV.
Colombia has struggled more than any other semifinalist to get to this point despite starting the tournament off in fascinating manner. After dispatching the Americans 2-0, the cruised through Paraguay in the opening half before losing their footing. Major changes to the lineup saw Colombia dismantled by Costa Rica before a rough and tumble affair against Peru saw the dazzling attack shut down.
But Colombia remains a lethal attacking side with a solid defense that will be put to the test against a Chilean side that is starting to find its stride after a tough start to the tournament. The defending Copa America champs lost 2-1 in the opener against Argentina, needed divine intervention to toppled Bolivia and looked weak in goal against Panama. Despite that, the team's offense came alive for the Chileans in that final Panama game and they rode that wave to victory over Mexico in the following game. Chile destroyed Mexico 7-0 in a win that showed the team at its attacking best. Eduardo Vargas scored four goals in the process but it was the attacking duo of Arturo Vidal and Alexis Sanchez that dominated the play. Vidal picked up a yellow card and will not feature in the semifinal however, which could hurt the fluidity of the team's attack.
Colombia player to watch
James Rodriguez was great for Colombia against Peru, creating a number of chances and eventually setting the tone by converting the first penalty of the shootout for his nation. He has two goals and one assist thus far in the tournament.
Chile player to watch
Despite Vargas' superior goalscoring thus far, Alexis Sanchez will be the top player on the pitch for Chile. He has done it all in this tournament, scoring goals and dishing a plethora of assists. He is the man that makes the team's attack go and will be the one that Colombia must stymie to win.
History says...
Chile holds the edge in this matchup with 14 wins, 10 losses and 12 draws. That said, Chile has only managed three wins against Colombia in the last 16 years and five since 1989. Colombia has won eight games in that span with the sides drawing seven times.
Prediction
Colombia wins 2-1 in a engaging back and forth affair.
Schedule and Start Time
The game gets started at 8 p.m. EDT and can be viewed on Univision or Fox Sports 1. It can also be streamed on fuboTV.
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