Internet Desk: Chile’s Jose Pedro Fuenzalida has dismissed the prospect of fatigue affecting them during Saturday’s Copa America quarterfinal against Mexico.
They return to Santa Clara, California, for their last-eight fixture after playing five matches in 17 days.
That run began in San Diego before taking them to Santa Clara, across the country to Massachusetts, and then to Philadelphia before returning to the West Coast.
It has also come against demanding opposition after a friendly with Mexico and three Copa group fixtures against Argentina, Bolivia and Panama, but Fuenzalida is adamant there is no cause for concern.
“Yes they have been very long trips, but we have been able to rest, we were able to recover,” said the 31-year-old. “And no doubt we must be at our best against Mexico.
“When you make a mistake, Mexico lets you know, you are punished immediately.
“We must be very focused in the game, and assume that they will try to cut our work in midfield. But we are better than them.”
The defending champions have remained inconsistent since the January departure of previous coach Jorge Sampaoli, winning just three of their seven fixtures under his successor Juan Antonio Pizzi.
Mexico, in contrast, remain unbeaten in almost a year after an impressive run that began after their 2-1 loss to Ecuador at the last Copa.
El Tri defeated Chile 1-0 in a friendly earlier this month, but midfielder Hector Herrera has warned his teammates that that counts for little.
“The match against Chile served both teams,” he said. “Now it will be a completely different game.”
The winner of Sunday’s fixture will progress to a semifinal against the winner of Peru versus Colombia.