Chile vs. Argentina Time (EST), date & location – 19:45, July 19 at the National Soccer Stadium (BMO Field) in Toronto.
Referee Wolfgang Stark (Germany)
Just as with Austria versus Czech Republic, this semi final sees two countries from not only the same federation competing but two countries that share a common border.
Past Performance This is only Chile’s fifth appearance in the finals and they have already matched their best ever performance. Back in 1987 when they hosted the event they finished fourth. In 1995 and 2001 Chile failed to make it past the group stage while two years ago in Holland they were beaten by the Netherlands 3-0 in the round of sixteen.
No other country can match Argentina’s record in this competition. They have won a record five world titles (four cups the last six tournaments) and finished as runner-up in 1983. In the history of the competition they have played 63 games, winning 47, drawing 3 and losing 14.
How they reached the semi-final Both countries hold identical records of four wins and one tie in five games to date. An opening group game against host nation Canada looked to be a problem fixture but Chile put on a tremendous display of passing and movement to easily win 3-0. The Congo was dispatched by the same score in the next match and that result guaranteed that Chile would move on to the next stage. A scoreless draw with Austria meant that Chile finished top of group A.
A goal from midfielder Arturo Vidal was enough to beat Portugal in the round of sixteen which set up a quarter final match with group F runners-up Nigeria. Scoreless after regulation time Chile exploded with four goals in the extra thirty minutes. In the process Chile became the first national team at any level of FIFA competition to score four goals in extra time of a World Cup.
Argentina opened with a dominating but fruitless performance against the Czech Republic. Out shooting the Czech’s 29-3 and enjoying the majority of the possession made little difference as the game finished scoreless.
It was a very different outcome in the next game when Argentina scored four goals in a seven minute first half spell before going onto the beat Panama 6-0. The last game in round robin play needed a swerving Aguero free kick to beat a pesky North Korea 1-0.
Argentina then produced a very good performance to beat Poland 3-1 in the round of sixteen. After going a goal down Argentina rebounded with an equalizer from Di Maria before half time and with only seconds gone in the second half Aguero produced a piece of magic that would turn out to be the winning goal.
Argentina versus Mexico was the most anticipated game of the quarter final stage but although an enthralling contest the game never hit the heights that the neutrals expected. It was very much a war of midfield attrition as both sides had little or no space and time in which to operate. In the end Argentina got the only goal after a Moralez shot was deflected past Blanco in Mexico’s goal. Mexico was left to rue Vela’s first half shot that rebounded of the post and another that squirmed through Romero’s legs only to go wide.
Goalkeepers Chile’s goalkeeper Cristopher Toselli is on the brink of setting a new record for consecutive minutes without conceding a goal at an under-20 World Cup. He is only five minutes short of breaking the current mark set by Claudio Taffarel in 1985. Toselli has being totally unflappable to date and his control of the penalty area and his distribution has been impeccable.
Sergio Romero has only been beaten once and that by Poland in the round of sixteen. Romero’s performances have been largely overlooked as the likes of Aguero and Banega have received most of the media attention. However, when called upon he has looked confident and has pulled off big saves when needed.
Edge – Even.
Defense With only one goal conceded in the ten games that these two countries have played so far it is difficult to pick faults. However, the styles employed are very different. Argentina is a much more physical imposing defense with Fazio and Cahais dominating the central positions. Mercado and Insua (presently with Liverpool) make up the first choice back four that has only been changed in order to mitigate yellow card suspensions. If there is one possible weakness in the Argentine back four it would be a tendency now and again for Fazio to dwell on the ball.
Chile relies much more on anticipation and positioning. Like Argentina, the Chile defense has been very stable with Christian Suarez, Nicolas Larrondo and Hans Martinez logging the majority of the time. Chile will have Arturo Vida l back afer a one-game suspension. Vidal seems to have been given free-rein to flit between defense and midfield in a fluid formation. Vidal’s versatility also extends to goal scoring. He has scored two goals so far including the game winner against Portugal. Larrondo has been one of the great under valued players of the tournament.
Edge – Chile.
Midfield Expect this game to be played in a similar vain to Argentina’s last game against Mexico. Space will be at a premium in midfield as both teams place on an emphasis on ensuring that neither is allowed time to settle.
Chile will be looking to what has very much been a no-name midfield. Mauricio Isla (2 goals against Nigeria), Gary Medel and Dagoberto Currimilla have played in all five games and almost every minute of the tournament so far but have received little credit or attention. They have, however, been extremely effective.
Ever Banega is in the classic Argentine playmaker mould. Comfortable on the ball he constantly provides an outlet for his team mates and is incessantly prodding for holes in the opposition defense. Claudio Yacob has the responsibility of ball winning and ensuring that the back four is shielded. Although listed as a forward Pablo Piatti can normally be found on the left side of midfield while the diminutive Maximiliano Moralez has flitted from side to side as well as tucking into the space just behind the two strikers.
Edge – Argentina.
Attack Both teams have scored eleven goals but while Chile has had seven goal scorers Argentina has had to rely on only four players. Chile’s goal scoring in this tournament is even more impressive when you consider that one of their more potent attacking options has played less than half the time. Suspension meant Alexis Sanchez missed the first game and an injured shoulder restricted his game-time in the knock out rounds.
In the meantime Mathias Vidangoosy has stepped up and has been one of the outstanding players of the competition so far. His willingness and confidence to take on defenders has been refreshing as well as entertaining. Nicolas Medina normally plays as the lone central striker.
Argentina has the tournaments equal leading scorer in Sergio Aguero and a player who could on his day win a game virtually on his own. Angel Di Maria scored the equalizer against Poland and also set up Moralez for his game-winning goal against Mexico with a fantastic little reverse pass. Di Maria works incredibly hard in support of Aguero and if past games are anything to go by we can expect to see him substituted for Lautaro Acosta with twenty minutes or so left to play.
Edge – Even.
Coaching & Intangibles Both Jose Sulantay (Chile) and Hugo Tocalli (Argentina) will be pleased with progress to date but very aware that expectations back home are greater than just a place in the last four.
While Argentina has enjoyed repeated success at this level for a country like Chile opportunities such as this come along infrequently. FSR anchor Mitch Peacock told me early in the tournament that the focus and intensity of Chile at practice was impressive and they had the aura of a side that could win the competition.
For Argentina Coach Hugo Tocalli it is an opportunity to move past the semi final stage at a World Cup. This is the fourth time Tocalli has been in charge of an Argentina side at the semi final stage and the last three times they have failed to move on. Even so Argentina’s record of eight semi final appearances in twelve attempts emphasizes the past glories that the current side will be more than aware of.
Edge – Even.
Prediction – Argentina on penalties after a 1-1 draw.
A largely disappointing game but with a bizarre ending. Portugal had Mano sent off for pushing a Chilean player. As the referee showed Mano the red card another Portugal player Zeguinha then run up and stole the card from his hand.
The referee either had a spare red card or got it back because he sent Zeguinha off.
Having generated some momentum the referee continued his card tricks and sent off Chile's goal scorer Arturo Vidal for a second yellow card issued for time wasting.
All of this in the final minute of regualtion time and injury time.
Chile now plays Nigeria but without key man Vidal. Alexis Sanchez also left the game with a
Other match-ups - Austria vs. USA; Spain vs. Czech Republic; Argentina vs. Mexico.
Canada huffed and puffed but they could make no impression on a vastly superior Chile side. Chile was fleeter-of-foot, quicker-of-mind and dominated Canada in every area of the field.
With flicks, one-two’s, nutmegs, faints and dribbles Chile put on an exhibition for a full house at BMO Field (or the National Soccer Stadium as it is referred to during this tournament).
There was never a point in the game when Canada was able to hold the ball for any extended period of time – as Chile showed poise and patience on the ball, Canada treated it as if it was part of a pass-the-parcel game with punishment forthcoming if they held on to it for more than a second.
It took 66 minutes for Canada to get their first attempt on goal and as the game progressed the Canadian got more frustrated with their inability to mount attacks of any consequence. If there were any positives to take out of this game for Canada it would be Begovic in the goal who could not faulted with any of the three Chile goals and at least the Canadians kept working throughout the ninety minutes.
Numerous Chilean players impressed with Arturo Vidal (Bayer Leverkusen) and Mathias Vidangossy (Villarreal) the best of the bunch.
Day 2 Wrap Five games and fourteen goals today made for a better day’s football. Although I only caught thirty minutes of the Spain – Uruguay game it looked to be an outstanding match with Diego Capel (Sevilla) scoring a great injury time equalizer that capped a two goal comeback for Spain.
Player of the day was a tougher pick to make than on day 1. Yosuke Kashiwagi was outstanding against Scotland but my player of the day is Mathias Vidangossy of Chile.
Day 3 Three games tomorrow, Austria vs. Congo, Portugal vs. New Zealand and Gambia vs. Mexico.
Update from the Canadian West Coast
Kevin called me from the two games held in Burnaby today – say it quick and it sounds a bit like the home of Real Madrid. The stadium which looked good on TV looked just as good in real-life. The overall organization in and around the stadium was also very good and the spectators were having a good time. The Spain - Uruguay game was particularly well received by the crowd.
You can send any information (fsr@mts.net) that you think might be of interest about the twenty-four countries and I will post a regular selection. If you have a FIFA Under-20 blog go ahead and post your link under comments.
Group A (Toronto & Edmonton) Canada, Chile, Congo and Austria.
As host nations in international tournaments generally do, Canada has benefited by a good group draw. With only a third of the teams going home after the group stage Canada has a terrific opportunity to make it to the knock-out rounds.
A place in the last sixteen should be a minimum for Canada while moving onto the last eight would be considered a successful tournament. Anything beyond that would be Canada punching well above their weight.
Although the Canadian players are generally short of the top level experience enjoyed by some of the top countries in the competition they will benefit from having six players back from the previous Under-20 tournament in Holland in 2005. Coach Dale Mitchell was also in charge two years ago.
The Canadians have undergone one of the most intensive periods of preparation of any Canadian international soccer team and should be a well-oiled machine when kick off comes.
In his days as a player Dale Mitchell was lethal from free-kicks and you can look for Canada to take advantage of set piece opportunities. The spine of this team will dictate how far it goes so look for the likes of Asmir Begovic in goal, David Edgar at centre back, Will Johnson in midfield and Andrea Lombardo who will run all day for the cause up front. A concern for the squad is the relative depth should they hit injuries and / or suspensions.
The schedule has also been kind to the hosts as they face Chile on Canada Day in front of a sold out BMO Field. Chile will also be without their star turn Alexis Sanchez. Sanchez is suspended, as is at least one more Chilean player and possibly another two. Sanchez is considered a phenomenon in South America having been capped by the senior Chilean national team only two months after his 16th birthday in 2005.
Serie A club Udinese signed the youngster for $4M but left him on loan at Colo Colo in Chile. It was a move that paid off for Colo Colo as Sanchez helped lead his club to the final of the 2006 Copa Sudamericana only to lose to Pachuca of Mexico. Regular viewers of the Fox Soccer Report will remember some of his displays. Sanchez excels when running at defenders and has a bag of tricks that allows him to dribble out of tight spaces. Free-kicks are another specialty.
Central defender Arturo Vidal had an outstanding South American qualifying campaign and as well as being called up to the senior squad he earned a move to Bayer Leverkusen in Germany. Midfielder Mathias Vidangossy (Villarreal) plays a critical role in Chile’s counter-attacking style although his finishing still leaves much to be desired.
Chile qualified as the fourth places country in South America and only beat out Paraguay on goal difference. Coach Jose Sulantay was in charge of the under-20 side in Holland two summers ago.
Given the performances from African countries at previous under-20 tournaments Congo deserves respect, particularly as Congo arrives as African Champions. In the last eleven tournaments stretching back to 1985 African nations have provide nine top four finishers even though Africa has still to provide a champion.
Congo may have benefited from hosting the qualifying tournament but still handled perennial finalists Nigeria 1-0 to become African Champions. Congo’s striker Fabrice Nguessi Ondama was named best player at the African tournament.
Austria last qualified when the competition was held in Mexico in 1985. Austria slipped through the preliminary round of European qualifying group when they finished five points behind group winners France but progressed after beating out Wales on goal difference. The Austrians then hit their stride in the next round beating Russia, Slovenia and Hungary all be single goals.
In the final round of qualifying Austria finished second behind the Czech Republic in Group A ahead of Poland and Belgium. A 4-1 win over Belgium remains the only win of consequence for Austria. In the semi final the team collapsed in the face of a Spanish onslaught that saw the eventual European Champions run up a 5-0 win.
If Austria has any chance to move on it will be down to the form of striker Erwin Hoffer (Admira Wacker) who scored four goals in three group qualifying games but missed the game against Spain through a suspension after picking up too many yellow cards.
Aldo writes to say that attended Chile’s first practice and the team is “surprised at how hot it can get in Canada”. The weather is something that might be a shock for a lot of teams.
Eric managed to catch the second half of the warm up game between South Korea and the Czech Republic. “Thousands of Koreans singing and chanting, one solitary Czech guy! Korea scored a cracker in the second half, they looked fast and skillful, knocked the ball around well. Czechs were more interested in punt and run. Big Guys up front for the Czechs. Korea could maybe surprise a few, but it was only exhibition”.
Other news
Olympic Stadium is looking at an extra expense. It seems that the Canadian Soccer Association agreed to rent a moveable artificial surface from an Australian company only to have the surface fail FIFA’s quality control and certification process. Ironically the CSA now has to buy a surface at an estimated cost of $500,000 from Montreal-based Field Turf.
You can send any information (fsr@mts.net) that you think might be of interest about the twenty-four countries and I will post a regular selection. If you have a blog and you have information on the tournament you can post your link under comments.
Tomorrow a preview of Group D – Brazil, USA, South Korea and Poland.
I am the soccer analyst for the Fox Soccer Report and appear twice a week - every Monday and Friday at 10:00 EST. I have also been a regular contributor to the Fox Soccer Channel website since the summer of 2004. Over the last twenty years I have contributed to various radio and television programs throughout North America as well writing about the game for newspapers, magazines and websites.
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