Chile 1-0 Switzerland – Behrami sees red as La Roja prevail

Chile secured their second 1-0 win of the tournament, yet qualification is far from being assured. Having won so many plaudits for their attacking display that overwhelmed Honduras, Chile’s fluent football was disrupted by a surface ridden with divots which caused problems, particularly with Chile’s slick passing game. Saudi Arabian referee Khalil Al Ghamdi proved the other major obstacle for both teams to contain in one of the most fascinating games of the tournament so far. The man in the middle set the tone early with two extremely harsh bookings.

This trend was to continue as he waved 10 yellows and 1 red throughout the game, the red being the potential turning point. The game was well fought and quite even in the first half hour with shots from Vidal and Carmona stinging the hands of Benaglio but a reckless wave of Valon Behrami’s forearm, followed by a spectacular fall that we have grew accustomed to in South Africa, gave Chile the real impetus.

Alexander Frei’s unlucky streak in major tournaments continued meanwhile as he was the one sacrificed, which displayed Switzerland’s ploy of direct football with just Blaise N’Kufo left up top.

Chile looked to build upon the man advantage as they streamed forward time and time again, however they were lacking the ruthless edge once again that was so apparent in qualifying. Humberto Suazo’s return boosted Chile, but he had a lacklustre first half performance which can be put down to a lack of fitness returning from his injury. Jorge Valdivia replaced Suazo at half time to give an extra creative spark. His tricky dribbling paved the way for more chances for Chile but the breakthrough still deceived them. A clever free kick saw Alexis Sanchez finally find the net with a deflected drive but the linesmen ruled the goal out correctly Their attacking attitude however continued, epitomised throughout by goalkeeper Claudio Bravo’s quick distribution often which sparked great periods of pressure. Marcelo Bielsa swiftly acted as Chile desperately seeked a winner with Esteban Paredes introduced to the fray. Paredes gave Chile a complete front man whose movement caused instant problems for the Swiss defence. With just 15 minutes remaining, Esteban Paredes sprung the offside trap arguably and proceeded to round the outcoming Benaglio before a beautiful ball picked out substitute Mark Gonzalez to head Chile infront. More should have followed for Chile though, as Paredes twice had glorious opportunities to double the lead and improve the all important goal difference that could decide Group H. Switzerland came inches away from making Chile rue their squandered chances as Eren Derdiyok somehow passed a glorious chance wide from the penalty spot. As a result, Chile gained the three points but the group remains very open.

Chile, Group H, Switzerland, World Cup 2010