Match Preview – Spain v Chile

Group H comes to a close later today with potentially one of the most exciting games of the tournament so far. Marco Bielsa’s attacking Chile are top of the group with two wins out of two so far, and only need a point to qualify for the next round. However, Bielsa has said that his team are going to play their usual attack-minded style and go for the win. Results in the other game could affect Spain’s chances but the important thing for them is that their fate lies in their own hands. A win will most likely see them qualify top of the group, but goal difference would then come into play.

Spain

The loss against Switzerland has turned out to be a very inconvenient one for the Spanish. It has left them needing a win to be sure of qualification, although it does depend upon the result of the Switzerland-Honduras game. If both Switzerland and Spain win their games then three teams will be level on six points and everything will be decided on goal difference (which as it stands is Chile +2, Spain +1 and Switzerland 0). So goals will be key, and that’s the message Vicente del Bosque will need to get into the players.

Sergio Ramos has been declared fit and his ability to get forward will be particularly important, just as it was against Honduras. Andrés Iniesta looks set to return to the starting line-up after his injury but after David Villa’s impressive performance from the left side last game, he would likely switch over to the right replacing Jesús Navas.

Del Bosque is unlikely to change formation, sticking with three in midfield and two forwards either side of a centre forward, namely Fernando Torres. The Liverpool striker has looked rusty in his two previous appearances, but it surely won’t be long before he is confident and firing again.

Chile

The Chileans have been a breath of fresh air in South Africa, with their attacking mentality standing out amongst a lot of negativity. Bielsa’s tactics have worked so far as Chile are going into the game unbeaten, but they will have to be slightly more careful against Spain. They will not adapt their style and they will play for the win says the coach, as he described a draw as being a “complicated”.

However, as usual against a one-striker formation, Chile will switch their formation from a 3-3-1-3 to a 4-2-1-3. The absence of playmaker Mati Fernández means that we’re likely to see Jorge Valdivia deputise, and holding midfielder Carlos Carmona will be replaced after picking up a suspension for racking up yellow cards in previous games.

This means that Udinese’s Mauricio Isla could move into the centre of midfield after starting previous games at right back alongside Marco Estrada. It looks unlikely that star striker Humberto “Chupete” Suazo will be fit for the game after his thigh injury, meaning that Mark González is likely to come in on the left side with Jean Beausejour playing more centrally. Someone who will definitely be playing is Alexis Sánchez, the tricky young winger has been in good form so far and he’ll be important to Chile’s attacking play. He could well get a lot of joy down the right hand side against a 32 year old Joan Capdevila if he’s on his game.

Summary

Two teams out to attack should provide an excellent spectacle this evening, but Chile will have to watch out as if they throw too many men forward it will play right into the hands of expert passers like Xavi and Xabi Alonso. There will be a lot of gaps, and those gaps could well be exploited by the Spanish on the counter. It’s a tough one to call, but hopefully we’ll get the match everyone is expecting – an exciting and intriguing clash between two quality attacking teams.

Predicted Teams

Spain (4-2-3-1) – Casillas; S.Ramos, Piqué, Puyol, Capdevila; Busquets, X.Alonso, Xavi; Iniesta, Villa, Torres.

Chile (4-2-1-3) – Bravo; Medel, Ponce, Jara, Vidal; Isla, Estrada, Valdivia; A.Sánchez, M.González, Beausejour.

Chile, Group H, Spain, World Cup 2010