An important and tense Group B encounter awaits fans at the Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro this evening as Spain look to put the demons of their opening match against the Netherlands to the sword by seeing off Chile, who opened their World Cup account with a convincing 3-1 win over Australia. A 5-1 thrashing was doled out unmercifully and ruthlessly by the Oranje, leaving defending champions Spain red-faced and reeling. Proud Chilean coach Jorge Sampaoli couldn’t have expected better from his charges in their opening game, and will more than likely use the exact same lineup that beat the Socceroos so convincingly.
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Del Bosque on the other hand will probably ring changes all over the squad after they were embarrassed by the Oranje, but one thing is for sure, Spain will come out fighting and with renewed energy, optimism and belief that they can emerge from this encounter back among the goals. They are after all, world champions. Historically speaking, this match does not bode well for the Chiles, as in the last ten meetings with La Furia Roja, they have drawn twice and lost eight times.
On paper the teams look worlds apart, with Chile’s best players being arguably Sanchez and Medel. On the opposing team sheet, Del Bosque is spoiled for choice with Cazorla, Busquets, Xavi, Iniesta, Ramos, Alba and Fabregas to name just a few. At the last finals, Spain showed quality and strength in depth consistently, with Tiki Taka football flowing freely and gracefully. In their opening encounter of this finals, they were a shadow of that glorious team. Hopefully this evenings show will bring out that “Red Fury” that is the translation of their nickname, and we will see a more settled and attacking Spain.
Chile will be buoyed by their opening game and so will be looking to press high and pick up loose balls, should the Spanish make any mistakes of course. Failing that, Chile may be restricted to fast counters, should Spain make forays into Chile’s half. Spain need a win here this evening, and nothing less will do. A draw or loss will more than likely see the holders out of the tournament, a result that will narrow the favourites pool to Germany, Italy, Netherlands and of course the hosts, Brazil.
Ramos, Pique and Casillas will all have been chagrinned by their respective performances against the Oranje and will be looking to deal out some swift retribution. Iker Casillas is expected to start, despite calls by fans for his replacement in Pepe Reina, however Vicente Del Bosque has waved away those demands after discovering Casillas “in the changing room talking to his team mates and acting as a captain should”.
Whatever the team sheet and formation used by either coach this evening, both sides are expected, and in Spain’s case required, to put in a performance this evening that demonstrates their desire to win. Indeed, this evening’s showpiece will probably come down to a simple case of ”who wants it more”.