Chile
Group : B with Spain, the Netherlands and Australia
Current Fifa Ranking : 15th with 1014 points
World Cup Appearances : 1930, 1950, 1962, 1966, 1974, 1982, 1998 and 2010
Best Achievement : Third Place in 1962
Head Coach : Jorge Sampaoli
Captain : Claudio Bravo
La Roja were a bit of a surprise qualifier from South America following their stuttering start. A managerial change was forced midway through the campaign and since then, head coach Jorge Sampaioli re-invented the squad into a fluid passing and efficient team which eventually finished in third place, ensuring their passage onto Brazil.
A highly tough draw has seen them pitted against World and European champions Spain, the Netherlands and the Socceroos. They have proven themselves extremely tough to beat even against more renowned opposition such as Argentina and Uruguay whilst the climate in Brazil is one which the players are accustomed to. The sternest of tests will obviously be against La Furia Roja, however the Netherlands will be an extremely tough nut to crack, considering that they have a better squad than the Chileans. As shown in recent tournaments, under-estimating Australia will be something Chile would do best to avoid.
Real Sociedad’s goalkeeper Claudio Bravo captains the squad, aided by Juventus’ Mauricio Isla and Cardiff City’s Gary Medel in defence. The midfield is quite impressive on paper, consisting of Juventus stalwart Arturo Vidal and Fiorentina duo Matias Fernandez and David Pizarro. In attack, La Roja are blessed with the services of Barcelona starlet Alexis Sanchez, whose recent rich vein of form has been monumental for both club and country.
Described as lots of fun to watch by South American pundits, no surprises will be shed should the Chileans end up posing a greater threat to both Spain and the Netherlands. Should their first squad remain fit and prove themselves to be the solid and consistent squad shown under the management of Sampaoli, this squad has the potential to reach the last of 16, and their ambition should not end there.
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