The 2024 Copa América is just around the corner, and Leisu Sports is bringing you a series of profiles on the 16 teams that have qualified for the tournament. Today, we focus on Group A’s Chile and Peru.
Chile National Team Overview
The Chile national team, the second oldest in South America, has participated in nine FIFA World Cup tournaments since its inception in 1895, with the most recent appearance being at the 2014 Brazil World Cup. However, in Copa América history, Chile has been a formidable force, winning consecutive titles in 2015 (hosted in Chile) and 2016 (in the United States), reaching the fourth spot in international rankings during this period. Following the departure of their golden generation, Chile’s competitiveness has waned, with successive failures in the 2018 and 2022 World Cup qualifiers and consecutive exits from the Copa América finals in 2019 and 2021.
In pre-Copa América friendlies, Chile defeated Albania 3-0 and narrowly lost 2-3 to world champions France away from home, showing some promising signs. Nevertheless, considering the aging stars like Alexis Sánchez, Vargas, and goalkeeper Claudio Bravo, Chile is no longer considered a strong contender for the title.
Head Coach and Key Players
After parting ways with successful coach Jorge Sampaoli, who moved to European leagues, Chile struggled to find a suitable manager between 2016 and 2024. Coaches like Spanishman Pizzi, Uruguayan Larrañaga, and Argentine Bielsa failed to gel with the team. In January 2024, Chile finally secured the services of experienced coach Ricardo Gareca, who previously led Peru to the World Cup. Gareca has shown faith in veteran Sánchez and has been known for his tough approach, which aligns with Chilean football culture. The 35-year-old Sánchez remains a key player, as does Sheffield United forward Brereton, who, after mastering Spanish, has regained his place in the squad and scored goals in March friendlies.
Copa América Historical Performances
2015: Copa América champions without a defeat; 2016: Copa América champions after defeating Argentina on penalties (4-2); 2019: Third-place match loss to Argentina (1-2); 2021: Quarterfinal exit to Brazil (0-1).
Outlook for the 2024 Copa América
Chile’s chances of reclaiming the trophy are slim, and with a challenging group that includes Argentina, Peru, and Canada, advancing will be difficult. Their first match against Gareca’s former team, Peru, will be crucial for their qualification prospects. A loss in that game might signal an early end to their campaign.
Chile’s Initial 24-Man Squad
(Goalkeepers) Bravo (Real Betis), Córdova (Colo-Colo), Arias (Atlético Nacional)
(Defenders) Isla (Independiente), Maripán (Monaco), Paulino Díaz (River Plate), Suazo (Toulouse), Riquelme (América), Catarán (Unión Española), Loyar (Huachipato), Gardamés (Godoy Cruz)
(Midfielders) Pucela (Flamengo), Valdés (América), Núñez (Norwich City), Echeverría (Huracán), Osorio (Midtjylland), César Pérez (La Serena)
(Forwards) Alexis Sánchez (Inter Milan), Vargas (Minesito Atlético), Brereton (Sheffield United), Dávila (CSKA Moscow), Bolaros (Colo-Colo), Sávala (Colo-Colo), Guerrero (University of Chile)
Predicted Starting XI
(4-2-3-1) Goalkeeper: Bravo / Defenders: Suazo, Díaz, Riquelme, Isla / Midfielders: Núñez, Pucela, Dávila, Sánchez, Osorio / Forward: Vargas
Peru National Team Overview
Peru has appeared in five World Cup finals, last doing so in 2018, where they were eliminated in a tough group. Faced with consecutive World Cup failures, the Peruvian Football Federation made efforts to address internal corruption since 2008, but disciplinary issues persisted. Gareca’s arrival in 2015 revived the team’s fortunes. Despite a coaching change, fewer players have faced investigations recently.
Before the Copa América, Peru won friendlies against Nicaragua and Dominica (2-0 and 4-1) to build momentum.
Head Coach and Key Players
Following Gareca’s departure, Peru appointed Renoso, a domestically successful coach, but his tenure was short-lived due to poor results. The federation then turned to experienced Uruguayan coach Fossati, who has managed clubs across Asia, South America, and Peru. Fossati has switched back to a familiar three-at-the-back system and has experimented with Peruvian talent, showing initial promise.
Key players include legendary striker Paolo Guerrero, Peru’s all-time top scorer with 39 goals, still performing impressively for Universitario de Deportes in the local league. Additionally, Florez, Advíncula, and Gallese, who played in the 2018 World Cup, are expected to feature in what could be their final major tournament.
Copa América Historical Performances
2011: Third Place after defeating Venezuela 4-1; 2015: Third Place after beating Paraguay 2-0; 2016: Quarterfinal elimination after losing to Colombia on penalties; 2019: Runners-up after losing to Brazil 1-3; 2021: Fourth Place after losing to Colombia 2-3.
Outlook for the 2024 Copa América
Competing in a group with Argentina, Chile, and Canada, Peru is unlikely to challenge the World Cup winners. However, they can compete against Chile and Canada, with the possibility of securing qualification if they win these matches. A favorable schedule could see them advance without having to face Argentina head-on.
Peru’s Initial 28-Man Squad
(Goalkeepers) Gallese (Orlando City), Cáceda (Melgar), Romero (Universidad San Martín)
(Defenders) Advíncula (Boca Juniors), Zambrano (Lima Alliance), Córcoles (Universidad San Martín), Abram (Atlanta United), Carreño (Girona), López (Feyenoord), Araujo (Portland Timbers), Santamaría (Santos Laguna), Sotelo (Silkeborg), Reina (Melgar)
(Midfielders) Cuéllar (Free Agent), Tapia (Celta Vigo), Peña (Malmö FF), Catachana (Orlando City), Castillo (Gimnàstic), Cispe (Pumas UNAM)