Chile need the Arsenal forward Alexis Sánchez to recover his best form as they try to end an almost century-long wait for a first Copa América, according to coach Jorge Sampaoli.
Sampaoli’s team reached the final with a 2-1 victory over Peru and will either Argentina, the favourites, or Paraguay at the national stadium on Saturday.
“When Alexis is not in the fullness [of form] that he is used to, Chile feel it,” Sampaoli said.
Decisive player
“If he is feeling good, he’s the most decisive player in this team. We must get him back to his best because he’s vital to us,” added the Argentinian.
Sánchez has shown flashes of his class but has contributed only one of Chile’s 13 goals in five matches.
Leading Chile to final was a dream come true for Sampaoli, who felt relief after the hosts overcame nerves to secure victory over Peru, who had Carlos Zambrano dismissed early in the first half
Eduardo Vargas scored a double to fire Chile to a 2-1 win at Santiago’s National Stadium over a gallant opponents.
“It was our obligation to get Chile to the final, we knew it from the first moment,” Sampaoli said. “It’s an incredible dream and even more so as hosts.”
Sampaoli said nerves had made the win more difficult than needed, even with Chile one man up for most of the match.
“Confusion complicated us in a game that we should have secured much earlier,” he added. “Of all our Copa games, this was the most difficult.”
Sampaoli suggested the pressure from home fans to reach the final as hosts and win the 99-year-old tournament for the first time affected the team.
Chile were not at their best in trying to break down Peru. “Defensively the team struggled a lot to get their shape to recover the ball,” said Sampaoli. “We usually get it back much quicker. Our anxiety played against us.”
Good touch
Mauricio Isla, the scorer of the goal that gave Chile a 1-0 win over Uruguay in their quarter-final, echoed that sentiment.
“It wasn’t our best match, we had been showing good touch, great finishing. We got tired,” the defender said.
“Peru complicated us quite a bit, even with a man less. I think the pressure got to us.”
Peru were not given much of a chance before the tournament but Sampaoli believes they can carry their much improved form into the 2018 World Cup qualifiers.
“[Peru] grew throughout the tournament and their big names became stronger and are in great form,” said Sampaoli.
Peru coach Ricardo Gareca praised the hosts, saying Chile were “a firm candidate [to win the Copa], it was from the beginning and continues to be.”
