Argentina and Chile battle it out for third place
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Argentina take on Chile in the Copa America 2019 third-place play-off on Saturday.
In the first semi-final, host nation Brazil beat Argentina 2-0 to deny La Albiceleste a first shot at the title since 1993.
Chile failed to qualify for their third consecutive final after being thrashed by Peru 3-0 in the second semi-final.
La Roja won the Copa America in 2015 and 2016 but their hopes of a third straight triumph were dashed in Porto Alegre.
Despite having 19 shots and 66% of the ball possession, they failed to find a way past a resolute Peru defense.
Argentina also dominated their semi-final with 14 shots compared to Brazil’s 4, as well as enjoying the majority of the ball.
They will feel hard done by after a number of key refereeing decisions went against them, including a penalty appeal before Brazil’s second goal.
It has been reported that the Argentinian Football Association has complained to South American football’s governing body about the incidents.
Argentina finished second in Group B with just 4 points from their 3 group matches. They then beat Venezuela 2-0 in the quarter-finals.
Chile also finished second in their group, picking up 6 points with wins over Japan and Ecuador. They then beat Colombia on penalties to reach the last 4.
Despite winning the last two Copa America tournaments, Chile were not seen as contenders this year and have exceeded expectations by making it to the semi-finals.
On the other hand, Argentina were one of the pre-tournament favorites and have once again failed to fulfil their potential.
A lot has been made of star man Lionel Messi’s performances for his country over the years and he has only managed 1 tournament goal so far.
This may have been his last chance to claim silverware with his country and he has been below-par once again on the international stage.
Both these teams featured in the previous two finals of the competition. On both occasions, Chile came out on top following a penalty shootout.
Since 1910, the two teams have faced each other a whopping 91 times. Argentina have claimed 60 victories whilst Chile have only registered 8 wins in reply.
It’s difficult to pick a winner this time around. Both teams are in unpredictable form and will no doubt be extremely deflated following their semi-final exits.
Argentina begin as slight favorites however their recent record against Chile in this competition is questionable.
Home team
Away team
Pred
Correct score
Avg. goals
Weather conditions
Coef.
Score
Live
coef.
Ca
373231
1
1 - 0
1.53
24°
1.95
1.95
3.50
4.10
1
-1
-1
2 - 1(2 - 0)
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