Copa America 2019: Alexis Sanchez and James Rodriguez out to prove worth as Chile face Colombia

Rejuvenated Sanchez sparking Chile?

One of the biggest individual disappointments in the recently concluded Premier League season was the lacklustre form of Alexis Sanchez, who utterly failed to justify his sky-high wages at Manchester United and was generally consigned to the bench after managing just one league goal all season, sparking rumours that he will be discarded by the Red Devils if a buyer can be found.

But he has been a man transformed since returning to international duty, revelling in the responsibility granted by Chile boss Reinaldo Rueda and scoring twice in the group stages, including a crucial winner against Ecuador to secure qualification for the knockout stage.

Sanchez’s longer term future remains uncertain, but so far this summer he has done well to send a reminder of his undoubted talents to both United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and potential suitors elsewhere. And now Chile’s all-time leading goalscorer can further underline his badly needed summer rejuvenation by maintaining his team’s quest for a third consecutive title – something no South American nation has achieved since Argentina in 1947.

James back in the spotlight?

Another star of South American football in a similar position to Sanchez is Colombia ace James Rodriguez, who headed into the competition on the back of an underwhelming campaign with Bayern Munich, leading the German giants to confirm they do not want to sign the playmaker permanently.

James has therefore been sent back to parent club Real Madrid, where reappointed manager Zinedine Zidane appears to have little interest in welcoming the Colombian back into the fold. The latest rumours are linking him to a crosstown move to Atletico Madrid, and James’s future will no doubt continue to be a major topic of speculation over the next few weeks.

For now, though, he is aiming to spearhead Colombia’s challenge for a first major honour since 2001, and his performances during the group stages showed that he is still capable of delivering match-winning heroics, providing a pair of assists and generally looking sharp and confident.

And although 20 other players plus substitutes will clearly play their part, it’s fair to argue that the winner of the individual battle between the two biggest superstars, James and Sanchez, will go a long way towards deciding this tie.

Can Colombia stay perfect?

Colombia have enjoyed a flawless campaign so far, following up a comprehensive 2-0 opening victory over Argentina with further wins over Qatar and Paraguay to advance into the quarter-finals with a perfect record of played three, won three, four goals scored and none conceded.

There is still a long way to go and more difficult opponents to overcome, but at the moment the creativity of James, the penetration of Juan Cuadrado, the penalty box threat of Radamel Falcao and Duvan Zapata, and the strong defensive partnership of Yerry Mina and Davinson Sanchez is looking like an impressive mix.

Carlos Quieroz’s team were flying somewhat under the radar heading into the tournament, with the majority of attention focused on hosts Brazil, Lionel Messi’s Argentina and star-studded Uruguay. But until now Colombia have arguably looked the most balanced and organised team of them all, showing a nice blend of attacking power and defensive steel, and another convincing display in this tie would further enhance their growing status as genuine title contenders.