Spain v Chile: Prediction, Key Men and Bet Offer
Spain will look to get back to winning way when they take on Chile in the Maracana stadium on Wednesday. The 2010 World Cup winners were left stunned in their opening game when they lost 5-1 to Holland and if they are to harbour hopes of retaining the trophy they will need to get back to winning ways. That’s easier said than done however especially as their South American opponents will be full of confidence after their opening day win over Australia.
What the players are saying:
Juan Mata, Spanish midfielder on forgetting the Dutch defeat and not changing their style: “Only think about winning and improving. We must keep trusting in our style. It has led us to success. The Maracana is a mythical stadium. It is a large field that can come in handy to our game. The Maracana is special for anyone and I hope the result will be different from the end of Confederations Cup. We need the three points.”
Chile midfielder Arturo Vidal on the Spanish challenge: “It will be a difficult game. They are the champions. They had a very tough loss (against the Netherlands), (which was) maybe a little unexpected because they were also winning. We watched the first half before heading to the stadium (for the Australia match) and we know they’ll come with a lot of anger when they play us, because they have to win to avoid being eliminated. So we hope to be up to their level. They have always been dangerous. They are defending champions for a reason, but no one expected that game with Holland.”
Spain v Chile Key men:
The Spanish Defence:
After their capitulation at the hands of Holland, the back 5 will be very much under scrutiny against Chile. Sergio Ramos and Iker Casillas in particular will need to improve on their second half performances, the Real Madrid pair were under-par and their decision making proved costly. The Chilean’s are likely to be aware of the mental frailties that exist and will go on the attack from the oft. The first 20 minutes will be key to their success although given the humid and hot conditions the final 20 minutes will be equally important. Casillas meanwhile showed in the Champions league final that a lack of regular playing time has led to lapses in concentration and once again he was at fault in the game with the Dutch. The veteran will be a man under pressure on Wednesday and he will need to rediscover his form if he is help the Spanish progress.
Pedro
The Barcelona man looked lively when he came on and caused Holland a few problems. With Diego Costa failing to shine on his competitive debut for the Spanish, Del Bosque could take him out of the firing line making it a straight fight between Pedro and Fernando Torres to start up front. With 15 goals and 8 assists for his club last season Del Bosque might feel that Pedro is showing the better form and could
Alexis Sanchez
The Barcelona man has been in superb form in the build up to the tournament and he continued that form in the opening day win over Australia. The forward scored one and set up another as his side ran out 3-1 winners over the Socceroo’s. The Chilean number 7 is very much the star man for his country and has scored 5 goals in his last 8 games and in the 2013/2014 International season he has scored 6 and assisted 8 in just 16 games.
Spain v Chile Team News:
Spain are monitoring the fitness of reserve goalkeeper David De Gea after he was forced to miss training with a muscle injury.
While full backs Jordi Alba and Cesar Azpilicueta should keep their places don’t be surprised if changes are made with the likes of Raul Albiol, Juanfran and Javi Martinez ready to come in.
Meanwhile Pepe Reina could challenge Casillas for a starting spot between the posts after the Real’s man poor second half display against Holland.
Chile meanwhile expect to have Arturo Vidal fit. The Juventus man was suffering with injury prior to the clash with the Australians but recovered to start. He did come off in the second half but that was more of a precaution and he will be fit to start.
Past meetings and prediction:
The two sides met in the group stages of the 2010 tournament when goals from David Villa and Andres Iniesta sealed a 2-1 win. Since then they have played each other twice with Spain winning 3-2 in a friendly in 2011 and the two sides drawing 2-2 in September 2013. In all they have played 11 times with Chile yet to win a game. They are due a success however and Wednesday could be the perfect opportunity.
