2019 Copa America – Japan vs Chile Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When is Japan vs Chile taking place? Tuesday 18th June, 2019 – 00:00 (UK)
Where is Japan vs Chile taking place? Estadio do Morumbi, Sao Paulo
What television channel is Japan vs Chile on in the UK? This match will be televised live on Premier Sports
Where can I stream Japan vs Chile in the UK? Premier Sport subscribers can stream the match via Premier Player
For viewers in the United States, the game will be shown live and you can watch it by subscribing to ESPN+ here!
Where can I get tickets for Japan vs Chile? https://ingressos.copaamerica.com/#!/home
THE TEAM NEWS
JAPAN
- Japan will appear at their second Copa America, 20 years after they first appeared but will be looking for more joy than last time after they suffered two defeats whilst drawing their other game back in 1999.
- Following on from a successful outing at the Asian Cup in which they won every game apart from the final against Qatar, they will be hopeful of carrying that form into this competition but face a tough opening game against the reigning champions.
- 18-year-old Takefusa Kubo has recently signed for Real Madrid and could make a big impression on this tournament if given the chance to shine while Gaku Shibasaki and Shinji Okazaki are the two standout names in the squad.
CHILE
- Chile made it back-to-back Copa America titles when they defeated Argentina on penalties for the second time in succession in the United States in 2016 and whilst that was a superb achievement, making it three in a row in Brazil would trump their previous triumphs.
- The Chileans will have a big task defending their title and their chances of doing so have not been helped by their recent performances with inconsistency a big problem having won just three of their last nine matches.
- After a poor year at club level, Alexis Sanchez will have a lot of pressure on his shoulders to try rekindle his form from several years ago whilst there is also plenty of other experience within the squad.
THE PREDICTION
Chile will be looking to defend their Copa America title having won the last two competitions but trying to do so in Brazil poses a completely different challenge. Their squad is ageing and this may be the final tournament they are together with several of their players heading towards the back end of their careers. They open their campaign with a game against one of the two guest teams in the tournament with Japan lying in wait. They will play with plenty of energy but Chile should have too much class for them.
