Chile gear up for tough semi-final against Portugal

MOSCOW: Chile coach Juan Antonio Pizzi will renew old acquaintances when his reigning two-times Copa America champions take on Portugal in what he expects to be a tough Confederations Cup semi-final today.

Pizzi played under Portuguese coach Fernando Santos for FC Porto in 2000.

“We know it’s going to be a difficult match,” Pizzi told reporters at a press conference on Tuesday in Kazan. “And I’m sure it’s going to be difficult ...for Portugal as well.”

“It a privilege and reason for satisfaction to have all of (the players)... tomorrow at our disposal.

“Let’s hope they are able to play at the same level tomorrow as we’ve seen until now.”

European champions Portugal’s roster has been depleted by injuries and bookings.

The Portuguese manager said a game-day decision would be made regarding midfielder Bernardo Silva, who sustained an ankle injury in his squad’s last group stage match, a 4-0 win against New Zealand.

“We still have 24 hours to see if he plays or not,” said Santos said of Monaco’s Silva. “Time is very important in this case. We will decide tomorrow.”

Santos has to replace the suspended Pepe in central defence and hinted West Ham’s Jose Fonte could come in alongside Bruno Alves.

“Chile has very good quality players, very dynamic, very strong team spirit,” Santos told reporters on Tuesday. “We are going to try to be better tomorrow.”

Pizzi said he was happy to report all 23 players fit, which could signal changes from the side that drew 1-1 with Australia on Sunday.

Defender Gary Medel, who did not start against Australia after pulling up with a muscle strain in the 1-1 draw against Germany, could return.

Midfielder Marcelo Diaz, who was rested against Australia before coming on as a late substitute, is another player hoping to start.

Chile have had a day less to prepare than Portugal, whose last group match – a 4-0 defeat of New Zealand – was on Saturday, but Diaz said: “We have recovered very well. We are rested.”

Pizzi said Portugal star Cristiano Ronaldo was a danger but that Chile would approach the match like every other and “impose our game” on the opponents.

“We will try to circulate the ball and keep possession as much as possible, fight for every ball and try to recover every single ball,” he said.

Celta Vigo’s Diaz has seen in Spain the damage Ronaldo can cause after a season in which he helped Real Madrid win the league and Champions League and score 42 goals in 46 competitive matches for his club.

“We will try to reduce the spaces he can move in, prevent him getting the ball and scoring,” Diaz said.

Germany will face Mexico in the second semi-final on Thursday in Sochi. – Reuters