FIFA Confederations Cup is an international tournament in which winners of the six confederations namely UEFA, CONMEBOL, CONCAFAF, AFC, OFC and CAF along with the previous FIFA World Cup champions and the host nation, play each other in two groups of four in a round-robin format.
The host nation generally, Russia in this case, is the host of the next World Cup.
Chile are one of the three teams making their debut in the tournament, Portugal and Russia being the other two. The South American powerhouse has been ruling the continent over the past few years. They have pushed aside the likes of Brazil, Uruguay and Argentina, and have become the team to beat in Latin America.
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La Roja earned their qualification to the tournament by winning the 2015 Copa America, the first title in their vast history. With world-class players and their unique style of play, the Chileans will be looking to set Russia alight.
As the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup kicks off in a few days, we have a look at five reasons why Chile are strong contenders to win the tournament.
#5 The American factor
Ever since FIFA commenced the Confederations Cup series in 1997, five out of seven titles went to the American nations. Brazil, unsurprisingly, have won it a record four times with Mexico winning it once in 1999. However, the Canarinho haven’t made it this time as they failed to win the 2015 Copa America.
Chile emerged as a superpower when they shockingly defeated Argentina in the final and won their first ever Copa America. Though Mexico defeated the United States to qualify for the Confederations Cup, a group consisting of Portugal and Russia might just be too much for them to handle.
This makes La Roja the American team to look out for. The Chileans will also be on a mission to prove that they are as good as their Latin American counterparts. Or even better.
#4 Alexis Sanchez
It’s about time we put Alexis Sanchez in the same category as Neymar and Gareth Bale. In a disappointing season with Arsenal, Sanchez was the one carrying the team. He scored a bucket load of goals and led the Gunners to their second FA Cup in three years.
El Nino Maravilla, as he is affectionately called, is the joint top-scorer for Chile alongside the legendary Marcelo Salas. With a long career ahead of him, he will surely become the country’s top scorer and set up records for future generations to chase.
Sanchez will be the player Chile look forward to in Russia. And is one of the candidates for the Player of the Tournament if he can replicate the form he showed for Arsenal.
#3 Humbling even the best of players
Back in 2016, Argentina faced Chile in the Copa America final for the second consecutive time. The match ended in a stalemate and was decided on penalties. Argentina’s first spot kick was taken by their captain Lionel Messi but he couldn’t convert it and skied it over the crossbar. La Albiceleste lost 4-2 which made the Barcelona man infamously retire from international football as he failed to win yet another final with Argentina.
The World Cup loss to Germany didn’t even have that impact on Messi but the defeat to Chile in New Jersey was way too emotional for him. Alexis Sanchez and co. had denied the little maestro another chance at international glory and made him leave Argentine football. Moreover, the loss had affected Messi on a psychological level.
The game proved that La Roja can break down any player and bring him down to his knees, even someone like Lionel Messi.
#2 A point to prove on the global stage
Chile came under the spotlight when they won consecutive Copa Americas. However, they are yet to make a mark on international football. Their best finish in the World Cup was in the third place, which was half a decade ago. They were eliminated in the Round of 16 of both the previous World Cups.
With players who know how to get things done and Sanchez in fiery form, the Chileans will be the favourites to get the trophy in their cabinet. This will be their time to shine and they will be eerily looking at their first international honour.
Manager Juan Antonio Pizzi will be looking to create history by leading La Roja to world recognition.
#1 Strongest squad in the tournament
Imagine a team with Claudio Bravo between the sticks (ignoring his spell at Manchester City), Gary Medel guiding the defence, Arturo Vidal picking out attackers, and Alexis Sanchez and Eduardo Vargas banging in the goals. Adding to that a bunch of other talented youngsters, you get a team that is bound for glory.
Teams like Germany also have strong rosters, although they haven’t named their best players for the tournament which makes Chileans the instant favourites.
With key players, Chile have been able to elevate their international game to a higher level and will be strong competitors not just at the Confederations Cup, but also at the World Cup next year.
