Alexis Sanchez's Chile are through to a Copa America final for the first time since 1987 as they look to capture their maiden international title on home soil. The match will take place in Santiago, where they have played all their matches going into Saturday's match, but it's all up to the Gunners to recapture his fine form at Arsenal during his debut season if he wants to capture the Copa America, but it's all been a bit disapointing for the Chilean going into this tournament.
He has played second fiddle in regards to his performances on the pitch as after a tough Premier League debut season. Arturo Vidal, Eduardo Vargas and Jorge Valdivia have all had amazing performances as the former is currently the top goalscorer and assist leader going into Chile's big match on Saturday. Chile need the Arsenal forward 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.
“When Alexis is not in the fullness of form that he is used to, Chile feel it,” Sampaoli said. If he is feeling good, he’s the most decisive player in this team. We must recover him well because he’s vital to us,” added the Argentinian.
Sanchez's Copa America performances have been below par
Sanchez has shown flashes of his class but has contributed only one of Chile’s 13 goals in five matches and provided an assist as well. Their run of matches included the three matches in Group A; a 2-0 win over Ecuador, 3-3 against Mexico and 5-0 against Bolivia. The knockout stage included the 1-0 quarter-final win against Uruguay and the 2-1 semi-final win against Peru.
Whether it will be Argentina or Paraguay they will be facing in the final, it will surely be a special one for the Chileans and Sanchez in particular as he will about to play, not only the most important match of his life but the most important in Chile's footballing history.