Arturo Vidal's challenge to become a triple champion

After lifting the Copa América 2015 and the Copa América Centenario in 2016, Arturo Vidal starts his 2019 adventure against Japan, with the aim of beginning the group stage with a win.

It would be an important step towards qualifying for the quarterfinals, in a group that also includes Ecuador and Uruguay. The first two teams in each group and the two best third-placed teams qualify for the next round, and a win is even more important after Uruguay's 4-0 victory over Ecuador in which Luis Suárez scored one goal and assisted another. 

In this Copa América, however, Chile's challenge is huge, because if they manage to lift the trophy again, it would be the third time in a row after the 2015 and 2016 triumphs.

The defence of the double crown

Chile came into the 2015 edition as hosts, but without being the favourite. In fact, they'd never managed to win the championship, but everything started well and it would end even better.

Coached by Jorge Sampaoli, 'La Roja' topped Group A after beating Ecuador (2-0), drawing against Mexico (3-3) and beating Bolivia (5-0). It was a group stage in which Arturo Vidal was a key player, scoring a goal in the opening match and a double in the draw against El Tri.

Qualified for the final phase, Chile saw off the challenges of Uruguay (1-0) and Peru (2-1). Though Vidal didn't score in either of those games, his competitive edge was an important part of why his team made it all the way to the final, against Leo Messi's Argentina, a match in which Vidal started. The final ended 0-0, and was decided on penalties, Chile winning the first championship in their history. A great success, achieved on home soil, but Chile went one better the following season, in a special edition commemorating the 100th anniversary of the first tournament.

In the United States, Chile - with Pizzi as coach - finished second in the group, after losing to Argentina (2-1), but beating Panama (4-2) and Bolivia (2-1), with a double from Vidal. A convincing 0-7 against Mexico and a 0-2 against Colombia saw them into another final, again against Messi's Argentina. Lightning struck twice as it would follow the same pattern as the previous final: 0-0, a penalty shootout and victory.

Will there be a third championship win in a row?