SANTIAGO • Chile's euphoria at reaching the final of the Copa America was tempered on Tuesday by the reminder that every time they had been in this position before, they had finished runners-up.

"We've got to the final, which is a big achievement, but we still haven't won anything yet," playmaker Jorge Valdivia said.

On the basis of history, they are right to be cautious. They have finished runners-up at just four out of 43 Copa Americas and have yet to win the trophy.

They have also finished third at the Copa on five occasions.

"Chile have always had successful players," said former striker Ivan Zamorano, who was in the squad who last competed in the final in 1987.

"But I've never seen so many (current) players of this quality, all being successful abroad. They deserve to win something as the greatest generation that Chilean football has ever had."

Chile will face Argentina in Saturday's final.

REUTERS