Few would have expected it to be the case before the tournament got underway, but the victor of this contest in Santiago will qualify for the quarter-finals of the Copa America as winners of Group A.

While hosts Chile were the favourites to top the standings, it was not anticipated that they would face competition for that spot from the Bolivians. That is the scenario, though, meaning that it will be winner takes all at the Estadio Nacional.

Chile

© Getty Images

They entertained fans across the globe at last summer's World Cup and they have continued that trend so far as hosts of this tournament.

The opening 2-0 win over Ecuador may have been slightly laboured at times, but next time out against Mexico the shackles were off as the two sides played out a highly entertaining 3-3 draw, with Arturo Vidal on the scoresheet twice.

The Juventus midfielder, who scored Chile's first Copa America penalty since 1991 in that game, now has three goals to his name for the tournament, while his teammate and former Queens Park Rangers striker Eduardo Vargas has found the net twice.

But, as far as Vidal is concerned, he may well have played his last game at the tournament. Reports in Chile over the last few hours have claimed that the 28-year-old crashed his car while under the influence of alcohol on Tuesday. He was not seriously injured in the collision, but Vidal will now go up before a local judge, who could detain him.

If his teammates can record a victory against Bolivia it will seal top spot, as will a draw, providing that Mexico do not beat Ecuador in the other group fixture by more than three goals.

Given the quality within this squad, plus previous one that could boast the likes of Marcelo Salas and Ivan Zamorano, it is somewhat surprising that the Chileans are yet to win the Copa America or the South American Championships, as it was previously known.

A win over Bolivia, in front of a passionate home support, is likely to heighten belief that this will be the year that La Roja end the wait.

Recent form: WLLWWD

Bolivia

© Getty Images

Away from their capital La Paz, Bolivia often struggle to pick up positive results. Being a city that sits 3,600 metres above sea level, El Verde tend to capitalise on their opposition's failure to cope with the thinner air.

That has certainly been the case in the Copa America of late, with their last victory heading into the tournament coming back in 1997 when they were the hosts.

It seemed that this campaign was going to follow suit when they played out an uninspiring 0-0 draw with an understrength Mexico in their first group outing, yet that all changed last time out against Ecuador.

Mauricio Soria's team had failed to win any of their previous 16 Copa outings, but the 18-year wait was ended courtesy of a 3-2 win. Although, they almost tossed that away, having opened up a 3-0 first-half lead, before shipping two goals after the restart to ensure a nervy finish.

Ultimately, it mattered little as they held on to claim all three points, leaving them on the verge of reaching the quarter-finals.

Soria may be their third manager in just five matches, but if performances at the Copa are anything to go by, perhaps the 49-year-old has started to steady the ship following a run of results that had returned just one win from 17 matches.

Recent form: LDWLDW

Team News

© Getty Images

Chile head coach Jorge Sampaoli has a decision to make over Matias Fernandez, who is available again after suspension.

The midfielder has been a regular member of the starting lineup under Sampaoli's management, but Vargas, who replaced him against Mexico, scored during an impressive outing in that game.

Managers tend not to change a winning team, but with Vidal potentially out of action, Fernandez could slot straight back into the team.

It is also unlikely that Sampaoli's opposite number Soria will decide to make any alterations to his team.

Chile possible starting lineup:
Bravo; Albornoz, Medel, Jara; Isla, Aranguiz, Diaz, Valdivia, Fernandez; Alexis, Vargas

Bolivia possible starting lineup:
Quinonez; Hurtado, Raldes, Zenteno, Morales; Smedberg, Bejerano, Chumacero, Escobar; Pedriel, Martins

Head To Head

Bolivia's last victory over Chile, which was achieved back in the year 2000, was unsurprisingly played out in La Paz.

Roger Suarez was the hero on that occasion, with his winning goal being struck six minutes from time.

That was a rare triumph for Bolivia over Chile, who have won 25 of the 41 contests between the two, losing just six times.

That win 15 years ago was Bolivia's sole success over the Reds in 16 outings, although they did claim a 2-2 draw in October last year when Carlos Saucedo bagged a brace.

We say: Chile 2-0 Bolivia

The Bolivians will be full of confidence after the win over Ecuador, but Chile will pose a much sterner threat. Pushed on by a home crowd and even without Vidal, the hosts still have an in-form Vargas and Alexis Sanchez, who is yet to start firing. They should have too much for their opponents.

Written by
Liam Apicella

Previews by email