Colombia v Chile: Vargas dismisses favourites tag ahead of Copa semi

Eduardo Vargas insists Chile's battering of Mexico in the last eight of the Copa America Centenario does not make them favourites for Wednesday's semi-final against Colombia.

Defending champions Chile stuck five second-half goals past Mexico in a 7-0 drubbing on Saturday in what was their joint-biggest Copa America victory.

Chile started the tournament slowly, losing out to 2015 runners-up Argentina in their Group D opener, but responded with wins over Bolivia and Panama. 

The subsequent rout against Mexico sees Juan Antonio Pizzi's men head in the last-four clash with Colombia as favourites, but Vargas - scorer of four goals against Mexico - was keen to temper expectations.

"We don't consider ourselves favourites at all. We played a good game against Mexico, but we know how complicated Colombia will be," the 26-year-old said ahead of the clash at Soldier Field in Chicago.

"The Mexico game has passed, so we are thinking about Colombia and how we must face them. It will be hard."

Vargas has been one of Chile's stars so far this tournament, leading the goalscoring charts with six - two ahead of Argentina superstar Lionel Messi. 

The Hoffenheim winger scored four goals as Chile, who are without suspended talisman Arturo Vidal, lifted their maiden Copa crown in 2015, and he is desperate for a repeat success in United States.

"The most important thing I have ever achieved in my career was to have lifted the Copa America trophy," Vargas said. 

"It was our first and we are fighting to do it again. The group is united, happy and that always reflects on and off the pitch. We have confidence and we will give 100 per cent."

Jose Pekerman's Colombia started brightly at the tournament by defeating USA and Paraguay, but were beaten 3-2 by Costa Rica in their final group-stage match and needed a penalty shootout to get past Peru in the quarter-finals.

The absence of Vidal from Chile's line-up is sure to be a boost for the 2001 Copa champions, but Daniel Torres stressed that whoever plays in the heart of Chile's midfield will be a more than capable replacement.

"Chile are not only Vidal, they are a very good team," he told a news conference.

"We will not be complacent because whoever it will be that replaces Vidal has the same capabilities."

Striker Carlos Bacca added: "We know what he [Vidal] contributes to Chile individually, but they are a team, they are champions."

Latest in
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is expected to sanction plenty of sales this summer
When does the summer transfer window open?
Arne Slot and Mikel Arteta could both do with improving their respective attacks this summer
Arsenal to make bold move for Liverpool star with uncertain Anfield future: report
LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 21: Phil Foden of England reacts during the FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifier between England and Albania at Wembley Stadium on March 21, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Eddie Keogh - The FA/The FA via Getty Images)
'When I see Phil Foden play, he just seems like a shy lad - that holds him back a little bit. He has been tried in every position, but he just hasn’t performed': Ex-England star makes bold claim about Manchester City man
Arsenal's William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes embrace each other in celebration at full-time of the Premier League match against Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux on 25 January, 2025
Arsenal face losing Gabriel AND William Saliba, as new fears arise: report
Kevin De Bruyne of Man City in action during the Premier League match between Manchester City FC and Ipswich Town FC at Etihad Stadium on August 24, 2024 in Manchester, England.
Kevin De Bruyne touted for shock move to South American giants: report
LEVERKUSEN, GERMANY - MAY 18: Jose Mourinho, Head Coach of AS Roma, celebrates after the UEFA Europa League semi-final second leg match between Bayer 04 Leverkusen and AS Roma at BayArena on May 18, 2023 in Leverkusen, Germany. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)
Jose Mourinho planning Premier League raid for superstar: report
Latest in News
Arne Slot and Mikel Arteta could both do with improving their respective attacks this summer
Arsenal to make bold move for Liverpool star with uncertain Anfield future: report
LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 21: Phil Foden of England reacts during the FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifier between England and Albania at Wembley Stadium on March 21, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Eddie Keogh - The FA/The FA via Getty Images)
'When I see Phil Foden play, he just seems like a shy lad - that holds him back a little bit. He has been tried in every position, but he just hasn’t performed': Ex-England star makes bold claim about Manchester City man
Arsenal's William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes embrace each other in celebration at full-time of the Premier League match against Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux on 25 January, 2025
Arsenal face losing Gabriel AND William Saliba, as new fears arise: report
Kevin De Bruyne of Man City in action during the Premier League match between Manchester City FC and Ipswich Town FC at Etihad Stadium on August 24, 2024 in Manchester, England.
Kevin De Bruyne touted for shock move to South American giants: report
LEVERKUSEN, GERMANY - MAY 18: Jose Mourinho, Head Coach of AS Roma, celebrates after the UEFA Europa League semi-final second leg match between Bayer 04 Leverkusen and AS Roma at BayArena on May 18, 2023 in Leverkusen, Germany. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)
Jose Mourinho planning Premier League raid for superstar: report
Jack Grealish
Manchester City report: Jack Grealish poised for European switch, with price revealed