Valdivia might hold the key as Chile chase elusive Copa América title
On Tuesday night, Lionel Messi made this Copa América about Argentina’s number 10 with a performance for the ages against Paraguay, but Chile’s number 10 could have a major role to play in Saturday’s final.
In terms of attitude, this is a more pragmatic Chile than in previous tournaments, a side prepared to shelve its perceived idealism and play in the margins of the rules. But in terms of style, it remains a proud attacking side, a team that has proved itself the most fluid attacking unit at this Copa América. At the center of the flowing attack is Jorge Valdivia, a playmaker who has spent much of his career being frustratingly inconsistent. Happily for him and for Chile, he has hit form just when he is needed the most
It would be hard to overstate just how much pressure piled upon the hosts. That the Chilean federation has taken an easy line on Arturo Vidal after he was charged with drunk-driving and that Gonzalo Jara was reduced to sordid provocation against Uruguay may not be right, but it is understandable. After 99 years of failing to win the Copa América, this tournament represents its great chance to end the drought: They are playing at home with a strong generation of players, almost all of whom are fit and in form.
Historically, Chile has tended to wilt under pressure, even when other factors are in its favor. Historically, so has Valdivia. That’s why he has only played 260 league games in a career that now spans 12 years and why, at 31, he has left Palmeiras to join Al-Wahda in Abu Dhabi.
But over the past three weeks, there’s been a sense that none of that inconsistency at club level matters: Valdivia is playing his best football when it matters most for his country. Twice in the opening minutes of Chile’s opening game against Ecuador, Valdivia slipped passes through for Alexis Sanchez from his perch in midfield. Both opportunities were missed, but the passage of play was instructive.
This was how Chile wanted to play. Although Jorge Sampaoli has since moved from a back four to a back three, the front of the team has remained the same. Alexis Sanchez pulls one way and Eduardo Vargas the other. Sometimes, they will then be available for through-balls from Valdivia. Sometimes they will create space for Valdivia himself to exploit. Sometimes, their movement opens up holes for deep runs by Arturo Vidal or Charles Aranguiz. It’s the classic enganche – literally ‘hook’ – of South America repurposed for a more dynamic age.
Valdivia was supposed to play this way at the World Cup last year, but it didn’t come off. After starting Chile’s opening game against Australia, he was restricted to the bench. Sampaoli, the suggestion was, didn’t quite trust him.
And, really, why would he? Valdivia has never been the most professional of players. His lively social life and his turbulent relationship with his wife, Daniela Aranguiz, make him a staple of Chilean gossip magazines. In 2011, he, Vidal, Jean Beausejour, Carlos Carmona and Gonzalo Jara were all suspended by the Chilean FA for arriving back at camp late following his daughter’s baptism, an incident now known as “el Bautizazo.” Claudio Borghi, Sampaoli’s predecessor, didn’t pick him for two years after that incident.
After Vidal’s arrest, it was widely suggested that Valdivia had been with him in the casino, something that prompted him to go on Channel 13 to defend himself. He accused the channel of “irresponsibility” in their reporting of the issue and insisted he is a changed man.
“I am the first one to be grateful to Sampaoli and I ask you to not get me in any trouble where there is none,” he said. "Someone said that I was with Vidal during the accident and that I had a fight with Sampaoli or Mauricio Isla. I have already paid for my sins. I have paid for all the bad things I have done, I hope you get this. Don't get me in trouble any more. I try to train, be quiet and nothing else. Please, just let me train and let me play."
Valdivia simply got on with it anyways. In Chile’s next game, he set up goals for Sanchez and Gary Medel and earned man of the match honor in the 5-0 win over Bolivia. His lay-off teed up Isla’s winner in the quarterfinal against Uruguay. He was quieter in the semi-final win over Peru, but his presence is still important.
Chile will base its attack around him in the final on Saturday, the biggest match in the history of the country. "We've got to the final, which is a big achievement, but we still haven't won anything yet," said Valdivia after the semifinal. Saturday could change that.
