Chile vs Argentina: Preview, Prediction & Betting Tips

Argentina started their Copa America defence in the perfect fashion, and we expect them to make it two wins from two with another victory over Chile. Chile struggled offensively in their first game, unable to break down Peru, and it does not get any easier as they take on an Argentinian defence who have kept four clean sheets in their last six.

Lionel Messi is just four goals away from tying the record for most goals in Copa America history. He failed to find the back of the net against Canada, but we are backing him to get off the mark in this one. He will be supported in attack by Angel Di Maria, and the pair will be confident in troubling the Chile backline – Chile 0-2 Argentina

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Argentina face Chile in the second group stage game of Copa America with the opportunity to book their place in the knockout stages of the competition with a win.

Date: 26/06/24

Kick-off time: 02:00

Venue: MetLife Stadium

The current Copa America champions opened up their defence with a 2-0 win over Canada to put them top of their group. A victory against Chile would ensure they advance through to the Round of 16 as group winners, whilst a point will put them in a very strong position heading into the final game against Peru. Chile, in contrast, got off to a disappointing start drawing 0-0 with Peru in their opener. It has put them in a precarious position as they now must get a result against one of the tournament favourites in Argentina and potentially face a must win against Canada in the final game.

Led by Lionel Messi, Argentina have plenty of dangerous options in attack. The forward has scored 12 goals in 12 games for Inter Miami so far this season, and has a great history in Copa America. He has the chance to climb the list of all-time top scorers in the competition. He is supported by Julian Alvarez, who scored the opener against Canada, and Lautaro Martinez, who netted the second off the bench, highlighting their strength in depth in that area. However, they will be facing a Chile defence who has kept three clean sheets in four, albeit against inferior opposition, but they could provide a more difficult test.

In front of goal, Chile came in to the tournament scoring eight goals in three, but could not break down Peru in the first game. It will not come any tougher than facing the Argentina defence, who have conceded just twice during their six-game winning streak. If Chile are to threaten, they will likely lean on striker Eduardo Vargas, who has scored 42 times in his international career. Alexis Sanchez will also be another name to look out for, with the legend still playing a prominent role in attack.

There is plenty of history between these two sides, with 95 previous meetings. Unsurprisingly, Argentina have been the far superior team, winning 62 games and losing just eight. They have met at each of the last four Copa Americas and Chile have had some success against their opponents. In five games, they lost two, but beat Argentina in the final on penalties on two occasions in 2015 and 2016. Their most recent fixture came in World Cup qualifying at the beginning of 2022. Argentina won 2-1, with goals from Angel Di Maria and Lautaro Martinez either side of a Ben Brereton Diaz strike.

Chile vs Argentina will be available to watch on Premier Sports 1.

Chile

Alexis Sanchez, Claudio Bravo and Eduardo Vargas headline a team full of experience. They all started the first game and expect to do so once again. Chile have no injury concerns heading into this one.

Argentina

Argentina came out of the first game with no injury concerns. Expect Julian Alvarez to lead the line alongside Lionel Messi again.

Chile

In their last five games, Chile have won two, lost two and drawn one. Heading into the Copa America tournament, Chile were in inconsistent form, but opened up their campaign with a goalless draw against Peru.

Their preparations ended with a 3-0 win over Paraguay. It was an even game throughout, though their visitors edged possession and had more attempts, albeit only two on target. However, Chile were much more clinical, with Victor Davila netting a brace in the first half, before Eduardo Vargas added a third shortly after the restart. This followed a difficult matchup against former World Champions France, in which they were narrowly defeated 3-2. They went ahead early as Marcelino Nunez put them in front six minutes in. Youssouf Fofana found an equaliser, before Randal Kolo Muani turned it around. Olivier Giroud added a third, though Dario Osorio pulled another back for the visitors. However, Chile were unable to complete a comeback.

This followed a 3-0 victory over Albania. At the back, Chile were strong, restricting their opponents to zero shots on target. Vargas broke the deadlock after 19 minutes, and this is how it stayed for the majority. A second was scored with seven minutes to go through Marcos Bolados, before Davila put the game to bed in stoppage time. It was a good response to a defeat in the first game of this run, a 1-0 loss to Ecuador. Angel Mena’s 21st minute strike proved to be the difference between the two sides.

Argentina

In their last five games, Argentina have been perfect, winning all of them. Argentina have been unsurprisingly dominant as they look to retain their Copa America crown. They opened up the tournament with a 2-0 win over Canada in their first group stage game. They were much the superior team in possession, and had plenty of opportunities throughout. However, they were unable to break the deadlock until four minutes into the second half, as Julian Alvarez found the back of the net. It remained this way for most of the half, before Lautaro Martinez doubled the score with two minutes to go.

Their preparation for the tournament ended with an emphatic 4-1 win against Guatemala. Their visitors provided an early shock as they went ahead early after Lisandro Martinez converted into his own goal. They soon got back on level terms as Lionel Messi got himself on the scoresheet. Martinez turned it around before the break with a penalty, and the pair both scored once more in the second half to complete the scoring. This followed a 1-0 win over Ecuador, with an Angel Di Maria goal the difference.

Costa Rica were defeated 3-1, as Di Maria, Alexis Mac Allister and Martinez scored in response to a Manfred Ugalde opener. The first game of this run was a 3-0 victory over El Salvador. Cristian Romero, Enzo Fernandez and Giovani Lo Celso were the scorers.

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