Football is played in almost all countries of the world. But since the advent of the World Cup in 1930 (the Jules Rimet Trophy) two schools of football__ South American classical style and European power football__ have had the final laugh. Brazil and Uruguay won the early limelight in the early years till Argentina joined them with Maradona magic. Another South American team Chile also produces high skill creative footballers many of whom play club football in major European and South American teams. But when it comes to world stage, Chile could hardly fulfill their promise.
In 2014 the cup being staged in their continent Chile having some wonderfully gifted players may cause headaches for favorites. Chile is in the group having last tournaments finalists Spain and Holland. The group also has the land of Kangaroos and coal bear Australia. It will not be much of a surprise if Chile spoils the party of one of fancied teams of the group. They cannot higher ambition than going to group of 16 as their progress may get blocked by Brazil in the knock out stage.
Chile has appeared in eight world cups, finishing the best as third when they hosted the tournament in 1962. That was their best ever result and despite failing to replicate that performance since, Chile are undoubtedly one of the most consistent sides in South America.
Third place in the CONMEBOL table and a direct ticket to the world cup was the outcome of a particularly bipolar qualifying campaign from Chile. Their prospects of world cup ran into deep waters when it suffered two huge losses to Argentina and Uruguay after winning four matches comfortably. They looked a lost case as sequence of losses followed. Coach Borghi was sacked. New coach Jorge Sampaoli though could avoid another defeat to Peru, yet they soon managed to regroup the team and bring the team back on winning spree. Uruguay was defeated at Santiago by 2-0 and since then Chile did not lose any match. Chile won the five of the last six matches and the sixth was a 3-3 draw with Columbia. It took a 2-1 win over Ecuador for Chile to confirm a direct qualification from the CONMEBOL division.
Argentine Sampaoli took charge of La Roja in 2012 after spells at a number of clubs in Peru, Ecuador and Chile. His arrival coincided with an immediate turnaround in performances and results, a run of good results ensuring world cup qualification. Under Sampaoli, Chile have returned to the energetic, high-pressing game of Marcelo Bielsa, the Argentine coach upon whose philosophy Sampaoli's is predicted. He guided Chile to an impressive 2-0 win over England at Wembley last November.
Chile is able to produce their sparkling brand of football due to the gifted stable midfielders at Sampoli’s disposal. It is blessed to have arguably the most complete midfielder in world football now- Juventus gun Arturo Vidal. At Juve he is their crown jewel, even ahead of golden boy Paulo Pogba. His passing is exceptional, his tackling and ability to read the game is second to none. He is a raw athlete, quick, snappy, strong as an ox and endless stamina. He turns 50-50 balls into his favor through sheer desire, and his attitude sets him apart from many others in his position.
Charles Araguiz, Carlos Carmona, Mathias Fernandez, Jorge Valdiva and David Pizaro are among those who can contribute both guile and graft in the center of the pitch. Barcelona boy Alexis Sanchez is a flair player for La Roja up front. If his mates can feed him quality passes he can produce something spectacular at this world cup. The tenacious and occasionally ferocious Gary Medel in defence, or at the base of the midfield, must not be underestimated.
Sampadoli is flexible in opting for a 4-2-2-2, a 4-3-2-1 or a 3-4-1-2 among others, but the style of plain remains consistent. The focus is on high-intensity pressuring of the opposition when they have the ball, as high up the pitch as possible .Once the possession is turned over, Chile will flood forward, using speed and precision passing to overwhelm the opponents .
Captain Gary Medel, the Cardiff City midfielder may not be a Bluebird for much longer, but he will go to the World Cup as the main man in Chile's squad. While Medel has spent the season just gone playing in front of the back four at the Cardiff City Stadium, he is a regular in defence for his country winning 59 caps.
Barcelona paid £23 million to sign the 5ft 7ins winger from Udinese in Italy, an indication of his talent. Has continued to impress at the Nou Camp and can play on either wing or as a central striker. Scored 22 goals in 64 games for his country so far and netted twice against England recently.
Chilean Squad
Goalkeepers: Claudio Bravo (Real Sociedad/ESP) Johnny Herrera (Universidad de Chile), Cristopher Toselli (Universidad Católica), Paulo Garcés (O'Higgins)
Defenders: Gary Medel (Cardiff City/ENG), José Rojas (Universidad de Chile), Eugenio Mena (Santos/BRA), Gonzalo Jara (Nottingham Forest/ENG), Marcos González (Unión Española), Enzo Andía (Universidad Católica)
Midfielders: Arturo Vidal, Mauricio Isla (both Juventus/ITA), Marcelo Díaz (FC Basel/SUI), Francisco Silva (Osasuna/ESP), Rodrigo Millar (CSD Atlas/MEX), Pedro Pablo Hernández (O'Higgins), Felipe Gutiérrez (FC Twente Enschede/NED), José Pedro Fuenzalida (Colo Colo), Carlos Carmona (Atalanta/ITA), Jean Beausejour (Wigan Athletic/ENG), Charles Aránguiz (Internacional/BRA), Miiko Albornoz (Malmo FF/SWE)
Forwards: Alexis Sánchez (Barcelona/ESP), Eduardo Vargas (Valencia/ESP on loan from Napoli/ITA), Jorge Valdivia (Palmeiras/BRA), Mauricio Pinilla (Cagliari/ITA), Esteban Paredes (Colo Colo), Fabián Orellana (Celta Vigo/ESP), Matías Fernández (Fiorentina/ITA), Gustavo Canales (Unión Española)
Chile starts its Brazil world cup on June 14 against a relatively less fancied Australia which will allow them to set their strategy properly before they meet Spain and Netherlands. On their own continent Chile may prove difficult proposition for European giants. If Chile can move up and somehow avoid meeting Brazil in the group of 16 who knows Chile can surprise many.
BDST: 1055 HRS, MAY 21, 2014
