Defending Copa América champions Chile will look to book their place in their second consecutive final when they take on Colombia in Chicago on Wednesday. Coach Juan Antonio Pizzi's side humiliated Mexico in their 7-0 quarterfinal win, and will doubtless be looking to turn in a repeat performance. They've certainly got the momentum and the confidence, and haven't lost the attacking swagger that characterised their performances under Pizzi's predecessor Jorge Sampaoli.
Colombia vs. Chile, Copa América 2016: Time, TV schedule and team news
Colombia take on Chile in the second Copa América semifinal on Wednesday.
Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images
However, Colombia are sure to be stubborn opponents. José Pékerman’s side haven’t turned in their most free-flowing performances so far this tournament, and relied on a penalty shootout to eliminate Peru in the last round. But that said, few sides are able to boast a more impressive attack than the Cafeteros, with Carlos Bacca playing in front of both James Rodríguez and Juan Cuadrado. They’ll be looking to take advantage of any slip-ups Chile make at the back.
Key player: Eduardo Vargas (Chile)
All eyes will be on Chile forward Edu Vargas in this match, as he looks to continue the remarkable run of goal-scoring form that saw him net four times in the win over Mexico. Having never quite lived up to his early career billing, he could well be finally finding his best at 26. Flanked by two very able wingmen in Alexis Sánchez and Edson Puch, he Vargas will be hoping to terrorise the Colombian defence.
Recent history
The last two encounters between Colombia and Chile have ended in score draws, including a thrilling 3-3 in a World Cup qualifier in Barranquilla back in 2013. Colombia are the last time to have won one of these matches, though that victory in 2012 was preceded by three straight Chile wins. If there’s one thing the history books tell us, it’s that we should expect a very even game.
Match date/time: Wednesday, June 22, 8 p.m. ET, 7 p.m. local
Venue: Soldier Field, Chicago, Ill.
TV: FS1 (U.S. - English); Univision (U.S. and Canada - Spanish); Premier Sports (UK); RCN Television, Caracol TV (Colombia); Canal 13 (Chile); DIRECTV Sports (Colombia and Chile)
Online: Fox Sports GO, Fox Soccer 2GO, Sling, fuboTV (U.S. - English); Univision Deportes en vivo (U.S. and Canada - Spanish); DIRECTV Play Deportes (Colombia and Chile)
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