Chile began their campaign against the Socceroos, Australia.
It has been mentioned that Chile could be considered dark horses of the
competition, their tolerance to the south American weather helps but also their
strength in attack boasting the quality of Barcelona’s Alexis Sanchez, and Juventus’
Vidal in midfield partnering the feisty Gary Medel.
They attacked with pace and built up a quick two goal lead.
Sanchez scored the first, and set up the second against the vulnerable men from down under. Australia
are the lowest ranked team in Brazil and their defensive frailties certainly
showed as they found themselves sinking without trace after only 15 minutes. It
looked as though the score line could end up more like a rugby score, which is
much more familiar to the Aussies.
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| Chile's Alexis Sanchez celebrates his opener. |
But the Chileans took their foot off the pedal and got
complacent. Their exciting attacking style turned lumbered and content with
their performance thus far. This allowed the barbecuing surfers to gain a foothold
in the game and their main man, Tim Cahill sprung up, soared like a salmon and
headed home. Soon after he headed home again, only to see it correctly ruled
offside. Chile were rattled. Australia took a more physical approach to
dominate over Chile’s superior skill and it seemed to work.
An Australian equaliser looked more and more likely, Cahill
was waiting to pop up to be the hero his country needed, whilst veteran
Bresciano tried his best to drag his team level. The Chilean players were
stuck, like their miner counterparts. Chile couldn't get out of the rut and it
looked as though another Australian goal was imminent, but it wasn't to be.
Chile eventually responded, they saw an attempt cleared off the line before
Wigan’s Jean Beausejour wrapped it up with a strike from outside the box to
make it 3 – 1.
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Chile 3 – 1 Australia 
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