Chile – World Cup 2010 Preview #29 (Group H)

Chile

Appearances in World Cup Finals: Chile will be competing in their 8^th World Cup in South Africa (1930, 1950, 1962, 1966, 1974, 1982, 1998, 2010)

Best ever performance: The 1962 World Cup gave Chile a chance to unite as a country in the wake of The Great Chilean Earthquake as they became the 3rd South American nation to host the tournament. The Chilean’s best World Cup performance came on home soil as three wins was to see Chile into their only semi final appearance. A 3-1 win against Switzerland was followed by a monumental win against Italy. La Roja overcame the Italians in a bad blooded and ill tempered clash remembered as the Battle of Santiago.

Famous moment in World Cup History: The Battle of Santiago is certainly one of Chile’s more memorable encounters in World Cup history. Chile’s passion and pride was evident throughout the tournament, but this game saw every emotion magnified in a battle of honour between opposing nations. Italian journalists enraged the Chilean nation with articles posted in build up and referee Ken Aston was selected to control the emotionally charged clash.

This was a game that needed police to intervene, as fighting and spitting were among the appalling events that broke out. The game is often seen as one of the main reasons that red and yellow cards were created as only cards and armed police forces could control the infamous ‘Battle of Santiago’. The result was the secondary issue in the clash but it was the hosts Chile that ran out 2-0 winners. Recently Chile’s attacking approach is one reason why they are nicknamed ‘Everybody’s team’ as the performances of Ivan Zamorano and Marcelo Salas particular typified this.

The Lowdown / The Manager: La Roja will have high hopes of progression into the knockout phase this time around. Despite being alongside tournament favourites Spain, Chile have ground for optimism. Joining Spain are rank outsiders Honduras, having qualified out of the North American zone and finally alongside the aforementioned Hispanic trio, Ottmar Hitzfeld leads Switzerland to the World Cup looking for further success to add to his impressive CV.

The Chileans will believe that they have what it takes to overcome the Swiss and Hondurans in their opening two group games. A second place finish may well be the best Chile can hope for, as it would appear that Chile’s clash against Switzerland on June 21st will decide who will meet the winners of Group G. Chile are a team high on confidence and their crop of impressive young players filtering through alongside the more experienced heads will certainly look to avoid being pushovers.

Argentine Marcelo Bielsa has had an impressive tenure to date as Chile manager. Following a 3 year absence from the game, having surprisingly resigned from Argentina in 2004, Bielsa returned to management with South American neighbours Chile. He has since established himself as a legend in the country, guiding Chile to an impressive 2nd in South American qualifying phase and through to the World Cup for the first time in 12 years.

Bielsa is one of the real characters of football management today, a great innovator, he is often labelled El Loco (The Madman) due to his disciplinarian approach, attack minded formations and meticulous attention to detail. Such depth in planning will be vital for Chile’s hopes at the upcoming World Cup, whilst his young crop of players will be tested under the pressure of such a stage. Bielsa however will be confident that they will revel under his guidance. Also attributed with excellent man management skills, this is perhaps one reason for his acumen and craft when introducing young players to the heights of international football.

Due to Bielsa’s attacking approach, Chile will line up with an unusual formation. Bielsa once said “attacking football is the simplest way to victory and success” which is what will make Chile one of the more intriguing sides to watch in South Africa. Chile are likely to line up with 3 at the back as they line up with an attack minded formation. Chile will have a four man midfield, which is certain to include a man behind the strikers,  a role which is likely to be filled by the creative flair of Sporting Lisbon’s Matias Fernandez.

The final three midfield spots may or may not include the inclusion of an anchorman, the versatile Arturo Vidal one option for such a role. The feature of Chile’s play however comes with their impressive forward line. Bielsa likes to use two wingers as an impetus for their attack and one forward through the middle. With a determined and talented squad, progression to the second round must be a minimum.

Qualification: Chile’s qualification to South Africa was hugely impressive. La Roja went into qualifying boasting the youngest squad out of the South American nations. This youthful exuberance was to see Bielsa employ a unique attack minded approach away from home which would prove pivotal. Collecting 16 points on their travels against the likes Paraguay and Colombia were compounded by consistent home form, including a historic 1-0 win against Argentina.

This win against Argentina set up Chile to go on a six match unbeaten streak, winning four, to place them on the brink of qualification. Brazil inflicted Chile’s first defeat in seven as Nilmar fired Brazil to a 4-2 victory, but 4 days later Chile were to secure their place in South Africa, themselves winning 4-2 in a fantastic display in Colombia.

Top Scorer in Qualifying: Central to Chile’s World Cup qualification was Humberto Suazo. The centre forward fired 10 goals in 18 games and will be looking to continue such form in South Africa. Suazo will be sharp going into the World Cup after moving to Real Zaragoza in January on loan, which gave him the chance to compete outside of South America for the first time in a career.

All Time World Cup finals top scorer: Humberto Suazo may have the accolade as Chile’s record World Cup scorer in his sights in South Africa, as three men currently share the honour. Guillermo Subiabre, Leonel Sanchez and Marcelo Salas have all scored 4 goals. Subiabre scored his goals in 1930, whilst Chile’s all time appearance record holder Leonel Sanchez scored 4 goals in 1962 to help lead Chile to third place, and himself to win joint top scorer.

The final, Marcelo Salas was to win the Bronze Shoe award having helped Chile to the last 16. He prospered in a partnership with Ivan Zamorano, as Chile hosted one of the best strike forces around. Salas currently holds the Chileans all time goalscoring record, having ended his international career three goals above of Zamorano. Both were to have remarkable careers.

Key Player: Chile’s team is full of creative flair and attack minded players, but central to their hopes will surely be Humberto Suazo. In Suazo, Chile have a natural goalscorer and he will be the man they rely on for goals. With Bielsa’s attacking approach, Chile will need to score goals to progress, and despite Sanchez, Beausejour and co. posing a everpresent threat, Suazo will be the man that La Roja look to.

One to Watch: In a team of such skilful players, Matias Fernandez stands out as being one of the most technically gifted. South Africa will be an opportunity to showcase his impressive ball control and skills on the world stage. Fernandez will turn 24 before the World Cup and he’ll be looking to establish himself as one of Chile’s more prominent players.

On the move?: Alexis Sanchez is a key player and seems the most likely to spark a transfer tug of war between a host of top clubs. The tricky winger, who made his league debut at 16 has the ability to beat players and has already reportedly attracted the interest of clubs such as Manchester United. Known as ‘The Wonder Boy’, Sanchez holds outstanding pace, remarkably quick feet and a dynamic style and locker of skills that replicate Cristiano Ronaldo. Sanchez will line up on the wing and will fancy his chances against any full back in the world. A good tournament for Sanchez, and Udinese may have a very busy summer attempting to fight off the interest of a number of European powerhouses. 

How will Chile fare in South Africa? Tell us your thoughts below.

Chile, Football in Latin America, Group H, Previews, World Cup 2010