Copa America Schedule 2016: Start Time, TV Coverage for Chile vs. Colombia
Chile are riding a wave of momentum into the Copa America Centenario semi-finals after dismantling Mexico 7-0 to set up a clash with Colombia at Soldier Field in Chicago on Wednesday.
The trophy holders destroyed the highly respected Mexican unit to stamp their credentials on the tournament as they look to win the Copa America two years in a row.
Colombia are No. 3 in the latest FIFA world rankings, but they only claimed their last-four berth with a penalty shootout win against Peru.
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Here's how you can watch the vital match to decide the second participants in the final:
Date: Wednesday, June 22
Time: 8 p.m. ET/1 a.m. BST (Thursday)
TV: Fox Sports (U.S.), Premier Sports (UK)
Live Stream: Fox Soccer 2Go (U.S.), FuboTV (U.S.), Premier Sports (UK)
Chile to Resist Colombia Challenge
When Chile won the last edition on of the Copa on home soil, most fans were not surprised.
La Roja had impressed during the World Cup in Brazil, and with Alexis Sanchez and Arturo Vidal in top form, they looked as good as any of the South American challengers.
The Chileans swept past Argentina in the final, and the inspiration of their two main stars was the foundation of their success.
Against Colombia, Vidal will be missing through suspension, but Los Cafeteros midfielder Daniel Torres is aware Chile have the squad depth to cover their key absentee, per Reuters (via Eurosport): "They have great players. Chile isn't just Vidal. We can't be confident because Vidal won't be there, we have to be very careful because surely his replacement will have the same characteristics."
Sanchez will be available and has netted three times in Chile's last two matches, while Eduardo Vargas has scored six—four against Mexico, two against Panama.
The Colombians offer La Roja a different challenge in the second semi, but Chile have seen their form steadily improve as the tournament has unfolded.
Sports Illustrated’s Grant Wahl commented on the holders' amazing victory against Mexico as their attacking unit orchestrated a 7-0 quarter-final result:
Despite their world ranking, Los Cafeteros will have to improve if they are to beat a Chile team that has found its top gear at the right moment.
Real Madrid playmaker James Rodriguez is expected to be the thorn in Chile's side in the semi, blessed with the talent to produce a moment of match-winning magic.
The attacker suffered at Real last season, often left on the bench, but he was directly involved in 15 goals in the Primera Division despite only making 17 starts, per WhoScored.com.
James is in the shop window this summer at the Copa, per Pete Jenson of MailOnline, and a stellar performance against the Chileans would underline his potential if Madrid look to sell.
Chile are in the ascendancy, but James has the quality to punish the holders if they allow him time and space.
However, it is difficult to see Colombia making it to the final when Sanchez and La Roja have the motivation to perform.
Colombia need to prove they are not a team who nearly make finals, collapsing when the heat is turned up late in a tournament.
Chile have the experience of victory under their belts from the previous Copa, and they will be brimming with confidence in Chicago.
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