SANTIAGO - The latest instalment of one of South American football's fiercest rivalries plays out at the Copa America today when hosts Chile face Peru with a place in the final at stake.

Matches between the two neighbours are known as the "Clasico del Pacifico" and are contested against a backdrop of historical enmity that dates back more than a century to the 1879-1883 War of the Pacific.

Given their form over recent years, Chile will start as favorites for today's semi-final as they aim to take another step towards ending their 99-year wait for Copa America glory.

However, the hosts are nervously awaiting the outcome of a disciplinary case opened against key defender Gonzalo Jara on Saturday over his lurid off-the-ball assault on Uruguay striker Edinson Cavani during the quarter-finals.

Conmebol is expected to make a decision before the semi-final, with sources indicating that Jara could face a tournament-ending, five-match ban.

Any suspension of Jara, who has formed an effective partnership with Inter Milan's Gary Medel, will give Chile coach Jorge Sampaoli a major headache.

Peru are brimming with confidence after recovering from a 2-1 defeat in their opening game against Brazil to reach the last four.

They swept aside Bolivia in the quarter-finals 3-1, with Brazil-based striker Paolo Guerrero scoring a hat-trick.

Peru also have the speedy and skilful winger Christian Cueva, who scored against Brazil in the opening match and played a starring role against Bolivia.

AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE