Chile to stay unbeaten in Copa America 2021
Chile vs Bolivia - 18/06/2021
3671
Chile started the Cope America 2021 tournament with a solid 1-1 draw against Argentina in Group A. Now, coach Martin Lasarte takes the team up against Group A’s bottom team, Bolivia, on Friday in Cuiaba.
Eduardo Vargas scored in the 57th minute to cancel out a first-half Lionel Messi goal. Messi was excellent in the match, but Chile’s defence prevented the Flea’s supporting cast from making an impact on the outcome of the fixture.
Bolivia sank to a 3-1 defeat versus Paraguay. Erwin Saavedra put the Green up 1-0 after 10 minutes from the penalty spot. Bolivia looked good going into the second half, but conceded three times to Paraguay in the final 28 minutes to lose.
Lasarte is without Alexis Sanchez for the group stage. The Inter Milan man, who has fought numerous injuries since leaving Arsenal in 2018, suffered a muscle injury in the days leading up to the Copa America’s start.
Chile do have plenty of veteran leadership in the side even with Sanchez out of the group stage. Goalkeeper Claudio Bravo, defender Gary Medel, and midfielder Arturo Vidal will build a solid spine. Meanwhile, Vargas, who failed at club level in Europe, continues to shine at the international stage.
Centre-back Guillermo Maripan was one of the heroes against Argentina. He formed a rock-solid partnership with Medel. The duo limited Argentina’s attack from having chances in the final third.
Bolivia coach Cesar Faria is without forward Jaume Cuellar. He was sent off just before halftime against Paraguay, which is one reason the side crumbled in the second half.
Top striker Marcelo Moreno is ruled out after testing positive for COVID-19. Without Moreno, Bolivia do not have much firepower in attack. Moreno has already scored six goals in CONMEBOL 2022 World Cup qualifying, the most of any player.
Cueller’s absence will give Faria one fewer options in attack. Bolivia are likely to struggle in the final third as a much stronger Chile seal their first victory of the Copa America.
While Chile play Bolivia, fellow Group A rival Argentina play Uruguay. The team that finishes first in Group A will likely avoid playing Brazil until the final – if they reach it.
Chile have an all-time record of 30W-10D-7L against Bolivia. They should push that record to 40 wins with a comfortable victory to nil versus an undermanned Bolivia.
The lack of Moreno and Cuellar will be part of Bolivia’s downfall on the night.
Home team
Away team
Pred
Correct score
Avg. goals
Weather conditions
Coef.
Score
Live
coef.
Ca
71722
1
2 - 0
2.37
15°
1.34
1.34
5.25
9.50
1
-1
-1
1 - 0(1 - 0)
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