The Copa America hosts, Chile, await the competition with a friendly against El Salvador that had a rough ending for Arsenal’s Alexis Sanchez and Hamburg midfielder Marcelo Diaz.
Just before half time, Chile was awarded a free kick within striking range and Sanchez thought he was the best to take the ball. Despite Diaz being the designated set-piece taker, Sanchez took the ball off of him ending in a misguided effort.
Chilean captain was forced to intervene between the two’s fight which could have ended in more than an exchange of words. “Sanchez squared up to Diaz, shouting at him for not giving him the ball. [Diaz] shouted back; he told him to let everyone else play and be so greedy. Furthermore, he chastised Alexis for missing a training session.” reported a witness at the friendly match.
Alexis Sanchez and Marcelo Diaz before friendly against England. Photo: @FansMarceloDiaz | Twitter
Even in the dressing room after the match there was a reported coming together of the players that had to be dealt with by teammates.
Sanchez is the most highly rated player amongst the Chilean players, but has let his ego make the better of him when considered to be too greedy. According to Sanchez, the two players are “all good” and they are “calm” despite the tussle between the two.
The match ended in a 1-0 victory to Chile despite all of the controversy surrounding the team. Chile will play in the first match during the 2015 Copa America as hosts when they take on Ecuador.
