An entertaining semi-final: Chile vs Colombia

Chile are on cloud nine after their 7-0 demolition of Mexico on Saturday night, while Colombia had to sweat out a shootout win over Peru. A one-sided result in either direction seems unlikely at Soldier Field, however, as both sides chase their second-ever Copa title. 

Chile played nearly a flawless match to mercilessly thump Mexico in Santa Clara, California, with one exception. 

Chile must face Colombia without Arturo Vidal, thanks to a costly yellow card that renders the influential midfielder suspended for the semifinal. The Bayern Munich mainstay is a terror in the center of the park, equally comfortable breaking up opposing attacks, orchestrating with his passes and breaking into the penalty box to threaten with shots of his own. 

There’s no such thing as a “like for like” replacement for Vidal. But Chile manager Juan Antonio Pizzi has options in Pablo Hernandez, Charles Aranguiz, Francisco Silva or perhaps even move Gary Medel up into midfield from his usual centerback spot. 

Colombia manager Jose Pekerman is widely respected as one of global soccer’s top managers. Yet he’s drawn keen scrutiny for his lineup tinkering in this tournament, fielding a variety of different looks with his formations and personnel. 

Running out a dramatically overhauled XI in the final group-stage match backfired as Costa Rica knocked off the Cafeteros 3-2, dropping them into second place in Group A behind the United States. The 4-2-3-1 used vs. Peru looked more or less like a full-strength squad, yet goals did not materialize. Will he chop and change yet again? 

Chile have moved from strength to strength this month, rebounding from a tournament-opening loss to Argentina and a wobbly outing vs. Bolivia to hit their stride with a 4-1 defeat of Panama before the Mexico exclamation point. 

Colombia, conversely, failed to maintain any such momentum after a solid dispatching of the US in their opener.