4 July, 2011, Chile v. Mexico in the Copa America.
Chi-chi-chi, le-le-le!
In its 43rd year, the much anticipated Copa América has begun, with Chile set to play their first game against Mexico tonight, 4 July, 2011.
If there is one thing that will unite this country, it is surely that of supporting their national soccer team. Chileans are soccer fanatics and during these big tournaments, all commercials are oriented toward La Roja (The Red, what the Chilean national team is known as) and the game is all the buzz. Bars will be filled to capacity and during those 90 or so minutes of game time, Santiago will become a little quieter, everyone glued to their television, some physically at the game.
For the past couple days, the news has been all about Copa América, showing live footage of Chile´s arrival in nearby Mendoza, Argentina, and all of the celebrations surrounding the game. Yesterday, as the team set off for the stadium in San Juan, Argentina, the way the news was covering it, you would have thought that it was election night or something of equal magnitude. Thousands of Chileans have crossed the border, turning central western Argentina into a Chilean fiesta.
With super star Alexis Sánchez, La Roja hopes to make Chile proud and go far—ideally win—in this year´s tournament. Captain Claudio Bravo plans to go step-by-step and reach the semi-finals having led every match. Though Chile has never won a Copa América title before, they will of course try their best, and as we all hope here in Chile, make this year a first.
They have their work cut out for them though, as Mexico has never lost to Chile in the Copa América—three wins and one tie. In their most recent encounter in 2008, Chile beat Mexico 1-0; however in their overall history, Mexico holds the lead with 13 wins out of 25 games, Chile winning nine, three being a tie.
As I mentioned, the city will be all about the game tonight, which will be nationally broadcasted on TVN, the official Copa América channel. Game coverage starts at 5 p.m. with the kickoff around 9 p.m. All kinds of bars and restaurants are offering specials and a good view; some places are really getting into the spirit, such as The Clinic Bar who have made an altar in honor of their beloved La Roja and California Bar with great burger and beer specials for those who come dressed in Chile attire. It should be an entertaining and fun night, surely filled with the famous chant echoing through the streets: "Chi-chi-chi, le-le-le!"
¡Vamos Chile!
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