Chile's defense of the 2015 Copa América title may have run into a massive speed bump. Arturo Vidal will have to watch the semi-final match against Colombia from the sidelines due to an untimely yellow card against El Tri, and this raises the question about La Roja's chances of eliminating Colombia on Wednesday night.
Being a key member of the National Team since since 2010, the midfielder's place in Chile's Starting XI will be tough to fill. Here are a few reasons why coach Pizzi should be careful when choosing his replacement.
Vidal's influence in the 2015 Copa América title
Coach Jorge Sampaoli made the right call by not excluding Vidal from the team despite his highly-publicized crash, as the midfielder proved his worth during the tournament for La Roja. Vidal played all of Chile's games, scoring three goals en route to the first-ever Copa América title for the Chileans. To prove this point, Vidal scored one of his team's penalties against Argentina.
Vidal scored a brace against Mexico during their 2015 Copa América title run.
How influential has Vidal been during the 2016 Copa América?
The former Juventus playmaker kept his status as one of the most relevant players for Chile, scoring a game-winning brace against Bolivia and handing out two assists, his highest tally since becoming a regular starter for La Roja. The 29-year old has put to good use all his experience, especially when the team needed someone to boss the team's midfield around.
"King" Arturo started all the games for Chile prior to the semi-finals, but his combative playing style earned him a couple of yellow cards, which will prevent him from playing on Wednesday.
How have Chile fared without Vidal?
There are two examples that can be used to determine Vidal's relevance for Chile. Back in 2011, the midfielder was banned from the National Team by then-coach Claudio Borghi for showing up drunk to the team's camp. After a tearful apology, and even with Chilean President Michelle Bachelet backing his request for forgiveness, Vidal was reinstated by the Chilean Football Federation. While he was away, Chile wasn't able to win a single match, and coach Borghi was sacked.
Since then, most of Vidal's absences with La Roja have been caused by injuries. His influence even forced the Chilean Federation to pay for a knee surgery the player needed prior to the start of the 2014 World Cup, and following the 2015 Copa América title, any game in which Vidal hasn't been around ends up with Chile struggling to come away with the win.
Is Vidal really a key member for Chile's National Team? You can bet on it!
How is Vidal's absence perceived on social media?
Being such an asset for the Chilean team, Vidal's ban from the crucial tie is believed to be a massive blow for La Roja.
Arturo Vidal suspended for #CopaAmerica semifinal. Mixed tournament but was monstrous in the 7-0 win over Mexico. Who replaces?
— Sam Tighe (@stighefootball) June 20, 2016
"Tomorrow's game between Chile and Colombia will be a good one. Two nice playing styles. Chile will not be the same without Arturo Vidal, will Pekerman take his chances?"
Va a estar bueno el duelo de mañana entre Chile y Colombia. Dos buenos estilos. Chile da ventaja sin Arturo Vidal. ¿Se animará Pekerman?
— Horacio Pagani (@HoracioPagani) June 21, 2016
"It's been three years since Chile's last win without Vidal on the pitch. Now THAT'S a stat."
El último partido que Chile ganó sin Arturo Vidal fue hace 3 años.
— María Paula (@mariap8910) June 21, 2016
DATAZO
Colombia are going to beat Chile in the semis. Chile won't be the same without Vidal pulling the strings.
— Jemz Burnz (@jbyrnes03) June 19, 2016
"Heads up! Chile won't have Vidal available against Colombia, his absence sets the tone for a whole differente ballgame. Their game against Mexico was the best in the Copa, they killed it out there!"
Ojo q contra Colombia,Chile no tendrá a Vidal y no es poca cosa
— Alberto Kesman (@KesmanAlberto) June 19, 2016
Es otro partido
Lo de hoy fue lo mejor visto d la copa
La rompieron!!
What is Chile's record against Colombia?
The Chilean National Team has played 36 games against Colombia, winning 14 of those matches. Since Vidal became a regular member of La Roja's senior squad in 2010, both teams have played four matches, resulting in one win for Chile, two draws and one victory for Colombia. Chile hasn't been able to beat Colombia since a 2011 friendly match held in the Netherlands. Vidal has only one goal to his name against the Colombians.
Vidal, pleading his innocence to referee Heber Lópes after picking up a yellow card against Mexico.
Which player is set to replace Vidal in the Starting XI?
Coach Juan Antonio Pizzi hasn't revealed his intentions to substitute Vidal, but two players appear to be the front runners to take his spot: Pedro Hernández and Francisco Silva. Hernández has already taken Vidal's place during the course of this tournament, but only for a few minutes. He could provide the same intensity and precise passing skills as Vidal, but his lack of defensive awareness could give Silva the chance to start.
Pedro Pablo Hernández has already taken Vidal's place in the lineup during this tournament. Will he Pizzi's choice to replace "King" Arturo?
Without a doubt, Arturo Vidal is one of the best all-around footballers in the Chilean squad. Will the Colombians be able to take advantage of his absence and reach their first Copa América fina in 15 years, or will La Roja prevail despite their leader's absence? Don't miss the semi-final on Wednesday and find out!
Match details, result and original broadcast info
This match has ended. Below are the original Live broadcast details for this match.
Live TV coverage and streaming in United States
Live TV coverage and streaming in United States
Follow the game on-the-go
Download our iOS and Android apps to follow soccer on-the-go. It comes packed with features - live scores, fixtures, results, tables, line-ups, stats, TV schedule and much more! Sorry, no live streaming within the app.
