
Ricardo Gareca (foto: Getty Images)
An unusual reason for suspension has hit Chile's coach, who will miss the crucial final group match against Canada.
Chile has found itself in a challenging group at this year's Copa America. Argentina and Canada are the favorites in Group A, which also includes Peru. The Chileans expected a win against Peru but only managed a goalless draw. In their second match, Chile narrowly lost 1-0 to a star-studded Argentina.
In the final group stage match, Chile will face Canada, who will likely need only a draw to advance (the match is on Sunday).
Chile needs a win but will have to achieve it without their coach Ricardo Gareca, who has been suspended by CONMEBOL (the South American Football Confederation). The reason for the suspension is quite unusual: Gareca has been punished for being late!
Gareca was warned during the match against Peru for sending his team onto the field late. When it happened again against Argentina, CONMEBOL decided that Gareca had not heeded the warning and suspended him. As a result, Gareca will have to watch the match against Canada from the stadium stands. It will be interesting to see how Chile performs without their coach, as they cannot afford any mistakes.
Argentina leads Group A convincingly, having won their first two matches. They will face Peru tomorrow.