FIFA World Cup Preview: Australia vs Chile

Group B starts off with a repeat of the 2010 FIFA World Cup Final with Spain and Netherlands. Chile vs Australia is the “other game”. This game is however, equally important in determining who qualifies from this group. Chile will be looking to get a leg up on Spain and/or Netherlands with a win against Australia. Australia will be hoping to avoid being tagged as the whipping boys of the group. They are undoubtedly the weakest team of the group.

Chile: Bravo; Isla, Medel, Diaz, Jara; Vidal, Carmona, Valdivia; Sanchez, Vargas; Pinilla.
Australia: Langerak; Wilkinson, Franjic, McGowan, Oar; Halloran, Jedinak, Troisi, McKay; Bresciano; Leckie

Chile have a host of game changers in their squad. Alexis Sanchez, Mauricio Isla and the injured hopefuls Arturo Vidal, Jorge Valdivia and Mauricio Pinilla. Sanchez is used to playing second fiddle on the club level but will be the attacking star for the national squad – Goals will be expected from him. Australia will rely on captain Mile Jedinak to recreate his Crystal Palace form and lead the team on the pitch. Attacking midfielder Mark Bresciano will be expected be the creative hub of the side going forward.
Chile will be serious contenders for the 2nd spot in this group. They will hope to shoot out of the blocks with a win against Australia – the weakest team in the group. Given that second place could come down to goal difference, the margin of victory against Australia would be as important as winning itself.
Australia will fight to avoid becoming the whipping boys in this group so don’t expect them to fold over and let goals fly in. But Chile’s quick, attacking style should be too difficult for them to hold back. Expect Chile to win by 2 goals or more.