Right out the gate to start the 2014 World Cup, in Group B, Chile is a favorite to take its opening match against Australia who is a team that does not have the best track going into this years tournament.
The group B match will be a good opportunity for Chile to get off to a fast start which they will need as they are going to also be pitted against 2010 World Cup Champion Spain and the always every present Holland in their bracket.
Eight months ago, Chile traveled to England to take on English National Team in a friendly and scored an impressive road win 2-0 showing that they are a very capable side.
A Latin possession style will be the focus for Chile while Australia will have to do what it can do to take on a simply technically stronger side.
Look for Chile’s Aurturo Vidal to take control of the midfield if he can combat a nagging injury. Vidal has had much success over the years with spells with Colo Colo, one of Chiles best clubs and then over to Bayern Leverkusen in Germany and most recently with Juventus in Italy where he secured a $10.5 million dollar five year contract.
New York Bull Bull’s Forward Tim Cahill for Australia will lead the charge up front for the Socceroos but he is going to need a supporting cast to get the job done and he has his work cut out in this very difficult Group B. Cahill has had a great career with spells with both Millwall and Everton in the EPL and a recently found a new home in NYC.
If there is going to be any type of upset it’s going to be because Socceroo’s GK Mat Ryan is going to have the game of his life. Ryan is a capable solid keeper with good hand skills but he also has very good skills with his feet which could play a role in breaking down Chile’s offensive attacks.
The game will take place on June 13, 2014 at 6 p.m. EST. In the Arena Pantanal. The game can be seen on ESPN and Univision and Live Streamed in English and Spanish on each of their websites, respectively.
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