Arturo Vidal’s controversial comments may come back to bite Chile when the CopA America champions take on Portugal in the first semifinal of the 2017 Confederations Cup at the Kazan Arena in a game that is sure to have plenty of fireworks.
Chile impressed in their opening two games, beating Cameroon and holding a youthful Germany but their final group game against Australia was disappointing as the La Roja escaped to a draw against the Socceroos.
Portugal, meanwhile, have grown stronger as the tournament has progressed and will be fancying their chances of progressing to their first-ever Confederations Cup final.
Portugal
After a somewhat sluggish start, Fernando Santos’ men are looking like they are major contenders for the title in Russia.
Cristiiano Ronaldo’s club future may be in doubt but the talismanic forward is unfazed by the constant speculation as he continues to bang in the goal and remains his side’s main threat.
Bernardo Silva and Andre Silva have impressed and the young guns inject a bit of pace to the Selecção’s attack but with the former being a major doubt with an ankle injury, it is likely that veteran Nani could feature.
With full-back Raphael Guerreiro almost certain to miss out, Portugal suddenly look susceptible at the back, particularly with Santos’ centre-back pairing of Bruno Alves and Pepe. The veterans could be horribly exposed by Chile on the counter and Portuguese midfield will have to work overtime to ensure that doesn't happen.
What they are saying: “ Everyone has to get their best in order to come out at the end of this match with the win," asserted Portugal defender Pepe (as per fifa.com).
Injury concerns: Bernardo Silva (Ankle), Raphael Guerreiro (Ankle), Danilo Pereira (Foot)
Suspension Alert: None
Chile
With Alexis Sanchez fit and firing, La Roja should in theory, overwhelm a seemingly brittle Portuguese defence. For the Arsenal man should be able to beat the likes of Bruno Alves and Pepe for pace each time he gets the ball.
Getting Sanchez on the ball will be the task of Arturo Vidal, the man in the eye of the storm after making those controversial comments about Ronaldo. Whether he and his teammates can win the midfield battle will decide the outcome of this high-stakes clash on Thursday.
And while Portugal don't have the best of defences, the fact that the likes of Andre Silva and Ronaldo will be against Gary Medel does not bode well for Chile. It would be smart if they employed extra protection for the diminutive firebrand that is Medel.
What they are saying: "Cristiano is a smart ass! For me he does not exist,” said Chile midfielder Arturo Vidal.
Injury concerns: Alexis Sanchez (Ankle)
Suspension Alert: None