Chile to turn on heat

South American champs eye German scalp, Confederations Cup

Saint Petersburg, July

1: Midfielder Arturo Vidal said Chile can prove they are the world’s best team and throw down a marker for next year’s World Cup by beating Germany in Sunday’s Confederations Cup final.

Copa America champions Chile take on world champions Germany in St Petersburg with the teams having already drawn 1-1 in the group stages.

Alexis Sanchez’s early strike for Chile was cancelled out by Lars Stindl when the teams met in Kazan ten days ago.

Chile are looking for their third international trophy in three years after winning both the 2015 and 2016 Copa America titles — beating Argentina in the final on penalties on both occasions.

Having knocked Euro 2016 winners Portugal out of the Confed Cup in Wednesday’s semi-final, Vidal says beating Germany’s young guns will prove Chile are the best.

“We have proven our value, we have beaten Argentina and Portugal, the European champions,” said Vidal.

“If we win tomorrow, we will prove we are the best team in the world.

“We have reached this final with our spirit and attitude — this is a waiting room for the World Cup — and if we win tomorrow, that will show where we are.

“We still have to qualify for the World Cup, but we have a lot of energy and want to prove ourselves.”

Chile showed their penalty shoot-out pedigree as Claudio Bravo saved all three Portugal spot-kicks. Germany will be fresher having beaten Mexico 4-1 in normal time in semifinal.