After the 5-1 demolition they suffered at the hands of Netherlands, Spain will be desperate to get back on track with a win against South American side Chile. View our Spain vs Chile World Cup preview, tips odds and predicted teams.
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Another defeat here and their World Cup defense will certainly be over and Vincente Del Bosque’s side will want to avoid the recent European winners’ curse. The last two European teams that won the World Cup exited in the group stage of the next one. In 2002, defending champions France crashed out without scoring a single goal. In 2010, Italy’s title defense also ended in tatters early in the competition. Spain started their stint of World domination with the European Championship win in 2008. The team here in Brazil is still very much the same, albeit ageing, squad. Out of 13 players who faced Chile in the group stage in South Africa four years ago, 11 are in Brazil and are crucial to del Bosque’s plans. It remains to be seen whether the 65–year old will stick with his proven match winners or turn to younger, more energetic options like Juan Mata, Koke and Santi Cazorla in the middle of the park.
While Chile have not changed much from 2010 either- nine of those who played against Spain in 2010 are in Brazil- they are a younger and more mobile side. Central to Chile coach Jorge Sampaoli’s plans is Juventus midfielder Arturo Vidal and Barcelona winger Alexis Sanchez. Vidal is not yet 100 percent fit and only lasted 60 minutes against Australia. Sampaoli will need him fit and firing on all cylinders if they are going to have a chance against a wounded Spanish side. Speedster Sanchez will also need to be at his best if Chile are going to hit the Europeans on the break successfully.
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TEAM NEWS
Spain manger Vincente Del Bosque has a whole lot of decisions to make ahead of the clash. In midfield, Manchester City midfielder David Silva could drop to the bench following his miss that would have put Spain 2-0 up. He could also revert to playing Chelsea’s new signing Cesc Fabregas in a false nine role that has worked so effectively for Spain in the past. That would mean Diego Costa-who was jeered for the duration of his stay on the pitch against Netherlands- dropping to the bench. David De Gea got injured in training, ruling the young shot stopper out for 10 days so Pepe Reina could start in goal in place of Iker Casillas.
Chile, on the other hand, have no fresh injury worries and Jorge Sampaoli will have a full squad to pick from.
Possible Lineups
Chile (3-5-2): Bravo; Jara, Mena, Rojas; Isla, Diaz, Vidal, Medel, Valdivia; Vargas, Sanchez
Spain (4-3-3): Reina; Alba, Ramos, Pique, Azpilicueta; Busquet, Xavi, Alonso; Iniesta, Fabregas, Pedro
PREDICTION
Spain will persist with their style of play and hope that Chile are not as devastating on the counter as the Dutch were the last time out. Chile, on their part, will be quietly confident that they can upset La Roja and will look to burst out of the blocks quickly. Spain should win a hard fought victory.
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