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Chile to go with a more defense-oriented formation as they take on Argentina

Chile shifted the role of the favorite onto Argentina, even though they admit that the playing home will be an upper hand

Chile and Argentine were, alongside Brazil, the greatest favorites for the title at Copa America, so their head-to-head match in the final didn't come as a surprise. Given the choice of players Gerardo Martino and Jorge Sampaoli have, today's game should be a proper treat for football fans across the world. 

Chile reached the final by beating Peru in a game after which there were many complaints about the officiating. We can't say Chile made in through to the final only because of the referees but the fact is, they have had some help from them in every game at this tournament, except in those against Bolivia and Mexico. According to the Peruvians, the referee was too strict when deciding to not send off Arturo Vidal, while only minutes later sending off Carlos Zambrano. That left Chile with ten players on the pitch for about an hour, which was an opportunity they couldn't miss out on. Eduardo Vargas scored to get them into the final. 


Jorge Sampaoli is an offense-oriented coach but he's not suicidal so his team plays a more defense-oriented game against more powerful opponents as a rule. That is why the defensive line is his biggest concern today. That especially goes or Gonzalo Jara's suspension and rather bad performances by Eugennio  Mena and Miiko Albornoz. The local media therefore suggest that Gary Mendel and Eugenio Mena will be the center back duo today, with Francisco Silva taking over the defensive midfielder position for the first time. Mauricio Isla and Jan Beausejour should take on the right and left back positions. The rest of the team is not that big of a problem and things should be as usual. Chile played like that only against Bolivia, while midfielder Jorge Valdivia, who is to most likely start on the bench today, normally played at defensive midfielder position. There were some rumors about Alexis Sanchez's minor injury but the Chilean media report that he will be ready to play today. 


Chile's goal keeper Claudio Bravo said that the pressure is on Argentina, not his team:


- We were never the favorites at any competition. We were always the underdogs and that is the role we are comfortable with because it always gives us enthusiasm and energy. Everyone knows what Argentina are and what kind of quality they possess. We have a huge deal of respect for them but fear is the word that has never been used in our locker room. Our goal is to stand up to them, to be close, to play our game and create attempts. We are playing home and that's the upper hand for us because the fans always get us going forward. 


Argentina were not very convincing result-wise on their road to the final. The reason for it are their opponent, who always play a very defense-oriented game against the Argentines. But, they finally got very efficient in the semifinal game in which Paraguay paid the price for all of Argentina's previous problems. Lionel Messi didn't score this time but he participated in attempts for all 5 goals.


- I don't know why the media constantly work on making the fact Leo didn't score a big deal. He played a role in almost all of our goals, he did his job brilliantly and I really don't understand why the rumors that he's unhappy are going around. Argentina is No.1 for Messi and he's happy that we're in the final - coach Martino said. 


When asked about the final game, Martino has nothing but praise for the opponents:
- Chile are playing a very good game, which is not very surprising because the team has undergone almost no change over the past three years. They never change some aspects of their game, which is why I don't believe they'll change them against us either. The characteristic of their game is the pressure they put on the opponent. They will most certainly attack when ever they can.That reminds me of us. 


Center back Ezequiel Garay missed the semifinal game against Paraguay with stomach problems but the well-experienced Martin Demichelis did a great job stepping in for him. That is basically the only doubt regarding the line up coach Martino has. If Garay is ready, he will play and if not, Demichelis will be given the start again.