Chile (La Roja) in Brazil……..
Qualifying directly by coming in at third place in CONMEBOL qualification group, Chile will be participating in the World Cup consecutively for the first time since 1966. They are on the hunt to win a major international trophy for the the first time in the history of Chilean futbol. After coming in third in the 1962 World Cup, they have found it difficult to recreate that moment. The Round of 16 has proved to be their destination in recent competitions.
One noticeable thing about the current Chilean side is that they are a very high pressure attacking side. The expectation for this team in the 2014 World Cup is to be giantkillers.
I don’t want to be redundant, but this team is all about attack. Then again, what South American team will be considered ‘defensive-minded’?
The Venom
Alexis Sanchez will be leading the pack in offense. The Barcelona man might sometimes come in third in the line at his club, but not in Chile. At the rate he is scoring, he is on course to be the record top goal scorer for the nation. Still a long way to go. He is unpredictable in front of goal, and loves experimenting with the chances he gets. He will have a great impact in the out come of Chile’s pursuit for a trophy.
Eduardo Vargas is another player to take note. His involvement during the qualification stages proves he is planning to be a torn in the flesh of opposing defenders. Mauricio Pinilla can be another striker to sharpen this offensive line up.
The veterans Humberto Suazo and Esteban Paredes will be names to look out for.
The Control and Support
The midfield star on this team will be Arturo Vidal. The attacking midfielder will infect the midfield with the glory he has been infecting the Italian side, Juventus. His Serie A mate, Matías Fernández of Fiorentina is another one to push the offense from the midfield.
The veteran David Pizzaro could still be of service to this Chilean side. There is also Mark Gonzalez,Matías Fernández, and Jean Beausejour alongside the youngsters Charles Aránguiz and Matías Campos.
Expect an attacking midfield.
The Bouncers
Chile has NO defenders!!!
Ok I lied :(. They do have defenders, attacking defenders.
Cardiff City’s Gary Medel is dominant figure in the defensive role. Along side Medel will be Gonzalo Jara (Nottingham Forrest). Be on the look out for Mauricio Isla and Eugenio Mena to take on defensive roles on the flanks.
So is it for Chile? What are their odds?
Even Chileans will not be expecting Chile to bring home the World Cup trophy. It will be an amazing story for a team that has never won a major trophy. With a 9-1-6 (W-D-L) record in their qualification journey, we can assess that this is a team that leaves very little room for a draw. Their high pressure attacking style of play either gives them an edge, or fails them. They put it all on the line, which makes them an amazing team to watch.
Chile can advance far in the competition, if their offensive efforts will end with more goals than what they will give up to the opposition. Chances of getting out a group with Spain and the Netherlands is a slim one. Neutrals will be hoping for Chile to upset the giants in the group.
But this is futbol, there will be some drama, suspense and surprises, and that is why we will have to be watching to see if the Chile will make their advantage count
