The Socceroos have failed to win any of their three matches in 2014 while Chile come into the tournament as dark horses despite the presence of the 2010 finalists in their group. A win against this Australian side will do their chances of progress a world of good but Australians are tough and will want to prove they are not just in Brazil to make up the numbers. Eduardo Vargas and Barcelona winger Alexis Sanchez will provide pace and flair on the wings while Juventus midfielder Arturo Vidal will dictate play from the middle of the park. Ange Postecoglu has never managed this side in a competitive game but will hope team captain Mile Jedinak and former Everton favourite Tim Cahill can inspire the Socceroos to go on a giant-killing run.
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TEAM NEWS
There have been varying reports as to the fitness of midfield lynchpin Arturo Vidal. The box-to-box midfielder is struggling with a knee injury and would be sorely missed if he is not fit for the match. Jorge Sampaoli’s Chile play an unorthodox 3-4-3 formation and Vidal’s absence will leave a gaping hole in midfield.
The odds are stacked against them but Australia, playing without any smidgen of pressure could be in a perfect position to cause an upset. The team is young -with an average age of just 25- and raring to go. However, they will rely heavily on 34-year old all-time top goal scorer Tim Cahill to provide some bite up front as well as battling midfielder Mile Jedinak who was crucial to Crystal Palace’s late renaissance under Tony Pulis.
Possible Line ups
Chile (3-4-3): Bravo; Jara, Medel, Gonzalez; Isla, Vidal, Diaz, Beausejour; Sanchez, Vargas, Fernandez
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Australia (4-3-3): Ryan; Franjic, Spiranovic, McGowan, Davidson; Milligan, Jedinak, Bresciano; Halloran, Cahill, Oar
KEY BATTLE
Alexis Sanchez is fast, tricky and strong on the ball. He is likely to start on the right wing but he has such ability that he can easily drift into the hole behind the main striker. The Barcelona forward who is rumoured to be on Louis van Gaal’s Manchester United shopping list will ask questions of the entire Aussie defence all night with his dribbling ability and direct running.
ONE TO WATCH
Chile forward Eduardo Vargas is a player with the potential to surprise. The 24-year old netted twice in a recent friendly match against Egypt and is a constant goal threat. 5 goals during the CONMEBOL qualifying stage will have boosted his confidence and the Napoli man (on loan at Valencia) will be looking to keep up the good form.
PREDICTION
This will be a very interesting match, to say the least. While Chile will want to lay down an early marker of their promise, playing against the Socceroos won’t be a walk over. Chile will play a high pressing tactical game but the Australians will fight, snarling and snapping. I expect a La Roja win, albeit a hard fought one as Ange Postecoglu’s men will give it their all.
Chile 2 – 1 Australia at $8 + Get a $200 FREE BET with Bet365
