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Copa AmericaTactical Analysis and Comparisons

A tactical preview for Chile playing in Copa America 2024

Chile will return to the United States, where they pulled off a fairytale Copa America triumph in 2016. Still, their hopes of replicating that success and winning Copa America 2024 are quite slim. La Roja is in Group A, which consists of world champions Argentina, Canada, and Peru; it is quite a tasty group, with La Abiceleste undoubtedly likely to top the group.

Ricardo Gareca’s men will hope to make it to the knockout stages and head into the tournament in topsy-turvy form. They secured friendly wins over Colombia and Albania (both 3-0) but suffered losses to France (3-2) and Ecuador (1-0). Those four games were good preparation for this summer’s campaign in the United States.

Predicted lineup of Chile National Football Team playing in Copa America 2024

Chile will be looking for megastars to come to the fore at Copa America this summer, and several of them are heading into the twilight of their careers. Alexis Sanchez is still his nation’s poster boy and will want to put on a show after starring in European football for several years. He is one of several experienced heads tasked with guiding La Roja far in the USA.

Claudio Bravo will likely appear in his final major international tournament and will undoubtedly be Chile’s starter. The 41-year-old is a former Barcelona and Manchester City goalkeeper; his experience could be key this summer.

The experience continues in defense with Mauricio Isla, 36, Igor Lichnovsky, 30, Paulo Diaz, 29, and Gabriel Suazo, 26, likely to start in defense. That backline will often play out from the back. Still, it will be at risk of getting caught out by pacey forwards such as Argentina’s Julian Alvarez, Canada’s Jonathan David, or Peru’s Bryan Reyna in Group A.

Ricardo Gareca could choose Rodrigo Echeverria and Marcelino Nunez to sit in front of the defense and allow the attackers to venture forward. These two could be important for La Roja in their group as they’ll be looking to control proceedings, particularly against Peru and Canada.

A front four could work for Chile in the States, and Liverpool-linked Dario Osorio will be a nailed-on starter if he shakes off a lower leg fracture. He’s a shining light for the North Americans and touted as one of the young guns to watch at Copa America 2024.

If Osorio doesn’t fully recover, he could be replaced by Diego Valdes. He started in a 3-0 friendly win against Paraguay last time out and could accompany the talismanic Alexis Sanchez and Victor Davila in attack. They’ll likely sit behind veteran frontman Eduardo Vargas, who is aging but has a proven goalscoring resume.

Chile predicted lineup: (GK) Claudio Bravo; Mauricio Isla, Igor Lichnovsky, Paulo Diaz, Gabriel Suazo; Rodrigo Echeverria, Marcelino Nunez; Dario Osorio, Alexis Sanchez, Victor Davila; Eduardo Vargas.

Chile's predicted Copa America XI
Chile’s predicted Copa America XI (Image – Getty)

Team Strengths

Chile have an experienced group that has spent many years together, which has led to unity and a positive connection within the squad. They can boast Copa America triumphs in the past decade. With a proven resume of going all the way, they could be the ones to watch in the United States.

  • Veteran’s know-how– The Chileans pulled off a famous back-to-back Copa America triumph in 2015 and 2016 including one in the USA. That bodes well as they have recent success in the tournament.
  • Team spirit—Given Gareca’s decision to stick with a consistent group, the squad will be familiar with one another. The likes of Alexis Sanchez, Eduardo Vargas and Claudio Bravo are all close.

Team Weaknesses

La Roja’s dependence on experience could backfire as there is a lack of youthful talent looking to shine on the international stage. Their Argentine coach, Ricardo Gareca, has previously coached in Copa America but has failed to win the tournament.

  • Aging squad – The core of Chile’s squad is in the thirties and that could be an issue given the young and exciting talent other nations will take to the United States. Dario Osorio will be expected to shine if fit but taking a goalkeeper in his forties into a major tournament as your starter spells trouble.
  • Poor World Cup qualifying campaign – La Roja have been poor in 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying and currently sits eighth in the tale. They have just five points and have scored just three goals, which is worrying for Gareca.
  • Quick schedule – The quick turnaround in games could be difficult for the aging squad to contend with. Most of the veteran players aren’t regular starters at club level so constant game time could come as a surprise.

Chile Copa America 2024 Key Players to Watch Out For

Alexis Sanchez – The veteran forward has an abundance of experience, and Chile will be pinning their hopes on him shining. He’s not performing at the same level that made him a world-beater at Barcelona, but the 35-year-old has been a constant for his national team, with 163 caps to his name. He rejoined Inter Milan last season and posted four goals and five assists in 33 games across competitions.

Chile's Alexis Sanchez
Chile forward Alexis Sanchez (Image – Getty)

Dario Osorio – The young attacker will be a talent fans won’t want to miss in action at Copa America 2024. The 20-year-old excelled with Danish outfit Midtjylland last season in his debut campaign with nine goals and two assists in 25 games across competitions. He’s being linked with Liverpool which speaks volumes of his potential.

Chile's Dario Osorio
Chile youngster Dario Osorio (Image – Getty)

Claudio Bravo – The Chileans’ oldest squad member will be out to prove that age is just a number but he’ll need to be at his best for La Roja to have a good campaign. He was Real Betis’ backup last season but has 148 caps for his national team and will add to that this summer in likely his final major competition.

Chile's Claudio Bravo
Chile goalkeeper Claudio Bravo

Conclusion

Chile will be expected to finish second in Group A, and they are strong enough to book their place in the knockout stages. The experience could come into play and drive them forward with a quarter-final exit most likely. A venture to the semis would be an excellent campaign for La Roja.

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