Alexis Sanchez Ready to Fire Chile to Copa America Glory

Arsenal forward Alexis Sanchez feels the time has come for Chile to win their first Copa America title.

Football's oldest continental tournament will begin on Thursday when Chile confront Ecuador at the Estadio Nacional here, reports Xinhua. (Messi Aims to Fill Trophy Void at Copa America)

Sanchez said his team, currently ranked 19th in the world rankings, has its best ever chance of winning as home team.

"This group can win the Copa America. The time has come to achieve big things," Sanchez told reporters on Monday. (Neymar Leads Resurgent Brazil at Copa America)

"I put complete trust in my teammates. I'm anxious to play the first match and give everything we've got."

Four-time runners-up of the Copa America, Chile have failed to finish in the top four this century.

Beside Ecuador, La Roja's group includes Bolivia and Mexico.

"It's going to be difficult and we have to be really focused in every match," said Sanchez, who scored 16 goals in 35 appearances for Arsenal last season after his summer move from Barcelona.

Chile warmed up for South America's showpiece tournament with a 1-0 victory over El Salvador in Vina del Mar on Friday.