Copa America 2015: Schedule, Live Stream Info for Final and 3rd-Place Play-Off
The teams who will contest the final and third-place play-off of the 2015 Copa America have been decided.
Hosts Chile will take on Argentina in the showpiece, while Peru and Paraguay will be eager to ease their heartbreak by winning the play-off.
Here is all the schedule info you need on how to catch the final two games of a memorable tournament, as well as a closer look at what to expect in the two showdowns.
| Third-place Play-off | Friday, July 3 | 7:30 p.m. ET | Peru vs. Paraguay | beIN Sports Connect |
| Final | Saturday, July 4 | 4 p.m. ET | Chile vs. Argentina | beIN Sports Connect |
Peru vs. Paraguay
Peru saw their hopes of a place in the final dashed by Chile, who beat them 2-1 thanks to a brace from Eduardo Vargas.
La Blanquirroja may well carry a sense of injustice into the play-off, having had Carlos Zambrano sent off while Chile's Arturo Vidal remained on the pitch, as well as Vargas' opener appearing to be offside.
Arsenal scout Danny Karbassiyoon believed Zambrano was unfortunate to see red:
This could give them added motivation when they take on Paraguay.
La Albirroja, meanwhile, will have to pick themselves up off the floor after Argentina tore them apart 6-1 in their semi-final.
After picking up credible results throughout the tournament, including a 2-2 draw with Argentina in the group stage and defeating Brazil on penalties in the quarter-finals, the scoreline was something of a shock.
Having been on the receiving end of a humiliating beating, Paraguay will be keen to redeem themselves, which could make for an intriguing match.
Lucas Barrios, who scored La Albirroja's consolation goal against Argentina, will continue to be their main threat going forward.
BeIN Sports commentator Matteo Bonetti was impressed with the experienced striker, while Opta Javier noted his clinical finishing at the tournament:
The 30 year-old will be the key figure for Paraguay in the play-off and could prove the difference between the two sides.
Chile vs. Argentina
Separated by the draw throughout the knockout stage, this matchup, with its array of world-class talent on both sides, is the one neutrals were hoping would be the final.
Chile began the tournament in style, scoring 10 goals in the group stage. Though they have since progressed to the final, they have perhaps lost a touch of their early momentum.
Against Uruguay and Peru in the quarter-finals and semi-finals respectively, refereeing decisions in their favour had a big impact on proceedings.
BeIN Sports USA's David Cartlidge was not impressed with the hosts in the semi-final but believes Vargas to be a crucial player:
The 25-year-old's brace brought his tally to four overall, the highest at the tournament.
If he and star players Arturo Vidal and Alexis Sanchez—who hit the woodwork twice in the semi-final—perform to their high standards in the final, Chile will be more than capable of challenging Argentina.
That will be easier said than done, though, as everything seems to have finally clicked into place for the Albiceleste.
Gerardo Martino's side dominated from start to finish against Paraguay, with the entire team boasting top-level performances and their wealth of attacking talent linking up to devastating effect.
The Mirror's Alex Richards was particularly impressed with Angel Di Maria's first goal:
Though he didn't get on the scoresheet, Lionel Messi was instrumental in Argentina's performance and was involved in their attacking play throughout the game, earning three assists.
ESPN's Julien Laurens noted the incredible run he went on before helping Di Maria to his brace:
Martino is well aware of the threat Chile will pose to his side. Per Ben Hayward of Goal, he said:
"We are up against a Chile team that are playing well. They have good players and have been in a process for three years. Some ideas don't change and Chile won't change against us.
They will press us when they can and attack us just like they do against other teams.
"
Chile have stumbled slightly through the knockout stages but will enjoy a vocal home support as they bid to win a maiden Copa America title.
Argentina, meanwhile, have the momentum that could swing the tie in their favour.
As ESPN Stats & Info demonstrated, the Albiceleste have enjoyed successful tournaments in Chile before:
Both teams are suspect at the back and boast considerable firepower up front.
If Argentina's frontmen can produce a repeat performance of the one they managed in the semi-finals, then they could edge what may well be a high-scoring affair.
With their current squad and home support on their side, though, Chile can't be ruled out. A thrilling final awaits.
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