Argentina and Chile will meet in the final of Copa América 2015 with history beckoning for both sides.
La Albiceleste can draw level with Uruguay on 15 titles should they win at Estadio Nacional, after La Celeste’s record-breaking triumph in the 2011 edition.
Such heights have never been tasted by La Roja, who are yet to win a Copa, but as hosts, are in as good a position as they have ever been to break that barren run.
These two teams have met 85 times throughout their history, with Argentina dominant – claiming 57 wins and 22 draws, with Chile only able to muster six victories in reply.
Saturday’s clash in Santiago pits the tournament’s two best teams against each other, and to prepare for the showpiece, we’ve highlighted three of their best matches from the past.
Argentina 4-1 Chile | 2014 World Cup qualifier | Buenos Aires
Argentina and Chile kicked off their respective qualification campaigns for the 2014 World Cup with a meeting at Estadio Monumental in 2011.
It took only eight minutes for the hosts to take the lead, and it was then-Real Madrid pair Gonzalo Higuaín and Ángel Di María who combined, with the former latching onto a superb pass from the latter to smash home.
Higuaín nearly turned provider for Ángel Di María in the 26th minute, but his through ball was prodded in by Lionel Messi instead, who just about got there first.
Chile were nowhere to be found, and switched off again in the second half, allowing Higuaín to sweep home from the edge of the six-yard area.
However, they were gifted a route back into the match when Mariano Andújar’s terrible punch was kept alive, and worked to Matías Fernández to slot home.
But another goalkeeping howler, this time at the other end, restored Argentina’s three-goal cushion, as Claudio Bravo’s clearance was swallowed by Messi, who exchanged passes with Higuaín, allowing the striker to slot into an empty net and complete his hat-trick.
Argentina would end up topping the South American section, while Chile placed third, only four points off La Albiceleste.
Chile 1-0 Argentina | 2010 World Cup qualifier | Santiago
The site of this weekend’s final was also the locale for Chile’s last win over Argentina seven years ago.
La Albiceleste came into the match having drawn two of their last three games, while La Roja were in need of a rebound after falling 1-0 to Ecuador in the previous matchday.
Then-Chile boss Marcelo Biesla saw his side quickly in the ascendancy, even rattling the woodwork as Argentina struggled to keep up.
Their reward would come shortly after the half-hour mark, when Fabian Orellana sprinted into the box to finish off a fine team move that originated down the right-hand side.
Argentina were unable to respond, but recovered from the defeat in the long run by clinching a place at South Africa 2010.
Chile, meanwhile finished second in the Conmebol section, only a point behind leaders Brazil.
Chile 0-2 Argentina | Copa América 1997 | Cochabamba
Both teams were in need of a result after disappointment in their opening Copa games.
Argentina were held to a goalless draw by Ecuador, while Chile fell 1-0 to Paraguay in the first round of matches in Group A.
It seemed like they would be set for another winless encounter, but in the 71st minute, Albiceleste coach Daniel Passarella would make a substitution that would change the game.
Julio Cruz was introduced for José Luis Calderón, and with seven minutes remaining in normal time, his mazy dribble set up Sergio Berti to power the opener home.
Cruz would play provider once again in the 87th minute, leaving multiple defenders in his wake to tee up Marcelo Daniel Gallardo for an off-balance finish from just outside the box.
Chile were floored by the late double salvo, and would end up bottom of the pile at the end of the first round.
Argentina secured second and progressed to the last eight, but were beaten 2-1 by Peru in Sucre.
Bron: ca2015.com
