Copa America: Chile vs Ecuador preview

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June 11th, 2015
Back Copa America: Chile vs Ecuador preview

The 2015 Copa America will kick off on Friday when tournament hosts Chile take on Ecuador at the Estadio Nacional in Santiago. There are high expectations of the Chilean side this time after their solid performance at the 2014 World Cup. The bookmakers have them as third favourites to win the 44th edition of the Copa America behind usual suspects Brazil and Argentina. Chile have won 27 of the 50 meetings between the two sides while Ecuador have snatched 10 wins.

Coach Jorge Sampaoli took charge of the Chilean national team in 2012 and transformed them in a force to be reckoned with. At the World Cup they defeated holders Spain and then were knocked out by Brazil in the last 16 after a tight match. They have big names in the team, including Gary Medel, Arturo Vidal, Claudio Bravo and Alexis Sanchez. Chile have never won the Copa America before but this time they are in a good position to make the most out of the home crowd support. Striker Esteban Paredes and midfielder Carlos Carmona are unavailable and will not feature in the tournament at all.

Ecuador managed to hold France to a draw at the World Cup but eventually failed to qualify from the group stage. After the tournament Ecuador appointed Sixto Vizuete as an interim head coach before Gustavo Quinteros took charge. Ecuador have not won a Copa America match since 2001, when they defeated Venezuela 4-0. That makes it nine matches without a win in this tournament from a total of just four wins in 22 matches. Moreover, Ecuador will be without their star, Manchester United's Antonio Valencia will be unavailable after having undergone surgery on an ankle injury.

Probable line ups:

Chile: Bravo - Silva, Medel, Jara - Isla, Beausejour, Aranguiz, Mena, Vidal - Vargas, Sanchez

Ecuador: Dominguez - Paredes, Ayovi, Mina, Achilier - Martinez, Noboa, Lastra, Bolanos, Montero - Valencia

My prediction: Chile to win 3-1.

Here are the odds for the match at Bet365:

Chile win - 1.53 Draw - 4.00 Ecuador win - 6.50

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