Skip to main content

International Friendly: Iran v Chile

Chile face Iran in Austria on Thursday before taking on Brazil in London on Sunday, and Vidal has underlined the importance of match practice for Jorge Sampaoli's men before they host the Copa America in June and July.

Vidal and Co. have lost just one match since last year's World Cup, going down 2-1 to Uruguay in November, but have won four times in seven friendlies.

"It's an important game for us, we have these two games before the Copa America and we must take advantage," he said, according to Chilean newspaper La Nacion.

"I stepped on an opponent late in the game and left the field just in case, and I was also a little tired, but no problems or injury," Vidal said.

Coach Sampaoli has named a strong squad for this week's matches with the likes of Alexis Sanchez of Arsenal, Fiorentina's Matias Fernandez, Inter's Gary Medel and Claudio Bravo of Barcelona all involved.

The Chileans will face an underworked Iran side in Austria, with Carlos Queiroz's side not having played since they were eliminated from the Asian Cup in January.