Spain vs Chile - What can we expect - Preview and Prediction

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Spain vs Chile

After a flabbergasting twist to what was termed as a ‘predictable story’, group B has turned out to be exhilarating in this year’s edition. The teams are nearing its judgement day with just a couple of games left for the sides to secure a berth in the Round-of-16. The Spaniards take on the Chileans in a game which could well be the last hurrah of the defending champions’ hopes in the 2014 FIFA World Cup. However, the La Rojas are a championship team and could come out all guns blazing to make a statement and in that case, the Chileans will be made to run for cover.

Venue

The Estadio de Maracana is easily the most decorated stadium in Brazil. Located in the capital, the Maracana was once the largest stadium in the world and has hosted few of the biggest games in the history. With an approximate capacity of 75,000, the Maracana will host seven games, including the final of the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

Kickoff Time

June 18 – 4:00 pm – Local Time

June 19 – 12:30 am – Indian Standard Time (IST)

Possible Starting Line ups

“There will be changes, but only a few”, said the Spanish manager when asked about his team’s composition after the 5-1 drubbing. We could expect Cesc Fabregas to come in place of Diego Costa, who looked a touch too rusty against the Dutch. There could be a couple of changes among the back-four, who are all under the scanner after a poor showing.

Spain (4-3-3): Casillas; Juanfran, Ramos, Martinez, Alba; Busquets, Alonso, Iniesta; Silva, Fabregas, Pedro

Chile had a near perfect game against the Australians and we could expect them to field the same lineup. Sampaoli would hope Alexis and Vidal deliver the goods yet again but this time on a bigger stage as any point bagged tonight could see Chile through to the next stage.

Chile (4-3-1-2): Bravo; Mena, Jara, Medel, Isla; Diaz, Aranguiz, Valdivia; Vidal, Sanchez, Vargas

Key Facts

Chile have never beaten Spain in their 10 previous encounters (D2 L8).
La Rojas have won the two previous meetings with Chile at the World Cup: in 1950 (2-0) and in 2010 (2-1). The game in 1950 was played at the Maracanã; which is where this encounter is taking place.
Chileans have lost their two previous World Cup games against the defending champion, both against Brazil (in 1962 and 1998).
Spain’s 1-5 defeat to the Netherlands was the heaviest margin of defeat by a reigning World Cup champion in the history of the tournament (four goals). The previous heaviest were Brazil losing 0-3 v France in 1998 and West Germany losing 3-6 v France in 1958.
Only once before had the Spaniards conceded 5+ goals in a World Cup game (1-6 vs Brazil in Brazil in 1950).
Alexis Sanchez has been involved in seven of the last eight goals that Chile have scored (six assists and one goal).
Spain have not lost back to back internationals since October 2006 (2-3 v Northern Ireland and 0-2 v Sweden).
The defending champions conceded more goals in 90 minutes against Netherlands (5) than they had in their previous nine international matches combined (4).
Del Bosque’s men have won just one of their last five internationals played at a neutral venue (L2 D2) and that victory was a 2-0 win over El Salvador (FIFA Ranked 68th) in Washington earlier this month.

Key battles

Andres Iniesta vs Arturo Vidal

One would expect an enthralling clash at the centre of the park as the midfield maestros square off against each other. They are arguably the most important members of their respective squads and it could prove to be a decisive battle in a game of high stakes. It is no secret that the Catalan’s attacking prowess isn’t wholly present in Vidal and it is the other way round when it comes to defensive diligence. Thus, the two midfield gems who could be a deadly duo when on the same boat, will be looking to outwit their counterpart and take their side through.

Prediction

To leave behind the miseries of the previous game is the first battle that Del Bosque would be hoping to win. Psychologically, the La Rojas have an uphill task ahead and have no one to help but their own selves. On the other hand, the Chileans head into this fixture on a high as manager Sampaoli stated in his interview that even a draw would be a good result but the players want to win. Despite the obvious difference in morale, the experience present in the Spanish squad might prove to be enough for them to edge the Chileans out in a close contest and add another pinch of dynamism to the group.

Predicted Scoreline: Spain 2-1 Chile