Chile - Israel 3-0

Chile won easily, according to reports, over Israel in late nights International friendly against a B-sided Israel in the mist of Concepción. Chile controlled the game and could early score by Suazo in the 19th minute. By halftime Suazo and Valdivia were substituted but Sanchez was still on the pitch and could score the second goal of the game in the 49th minute from outside of the penalty area. Tello finalized the scoring with a beautiful shot from a rebound even further away than Sanchez's goal.

Goalkeeper:
Claudio Bravo (Real Sociedad)

Defenders:
Gary Medel (Boca Juniors) Out 79'
Waldo Ponce (Universidad Catolica)
Gonzalo Jara (W.B.A.)

Midfielders:
Rodrigo Millar (Colo Colo) Out 77'
Carlos Carmona (Reggina)
Rodrigo Tello (Besiktas) *Goal 90'
Jorge Valdivia (Al Ain) Out 46'

Attackers:
Alexis Sanchez (Udinese) *Goal 49' Out 70'
Jean Beausejour (America)
Humberto Suazo (Monterrey) *Goal 19' Out 46'

Subs:
Fabian Orellana (Xerez) In 46'
Felipe Guiterrez (Test player, Universidad Catolica) In 46'
Bernardo Campos (Test player, Santiago Morning) In 70'
Luis Casanova (Test player, O'Higgins) In 77'
José Martinez (Test player, Universidad Catolica) In 79'

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Chile has now played their final game at home and is off to South Africa. One more player has to leave the team. They will play one final friendly against New Zealand in Nelspruit, South Africa June 9th.

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Chile - Northern Ireland 1-0

Chile won against Northern Ireland in Chillán with 1-0 after a goal from Colo Colo striker Esteban Paredes which came after a header on a corner from Matias Fernandez after 30 minutes. Chile controlled the whole game but lacked the finalizing touches. Vidal, Fernández and Fierro were the two players who stood up the best. Israel is the next opponent in a few hours (!), this time in Concepción.

Goalkeeper:
Miguel Pinto (Universidad de Chile)

Defenders:
Roberto Cerceda (Colo Colo)
Pablo Contreras (PAOK)
Ismael Fuentes (Universidad Catolica)

Midfielders:
Arturo Vidal (B. Leverkusen) Out 76'
Mauricio Isla (Udinese)
Marco Estrada (Universidad de Chile)
Matias Fernández (Sp. Lissabon) Out 90'
Gonzalo Fierro (Flamengo)

Attackers:
Mark Gonzalez (CSKA) Out 64'
Esteban Paredes (Colo Colo) *Goal 30'

Subs:
Fabian Orellana (Xerez) In 64'
Carlos Ross (Test player, Audax Italiano) In 76'
Felipe Guiterrez (Test player, Universidad Catolica) In 90'

18th

Chile is now ranked by FIFA in their June 2010 ranking as Top-18 Nation in the world. They dropped three places since last month.

1. Brazil
2. Spain
3. Portugal
4. Netherlands
5. Italy
6. Germany
7. Argentina
8. England
9. France
10. Croatia
11. Russia
12. Egypt
13. Greece
14. U.S.A.
15. Serbia
16. Uruguay
17. Mexico
18. Chile
    

24. Switzerland
38. Honduras

Chile vs. Northern Ireland

Chile will play an International friendly game against Northern Ireland in Chillán today. Tomorrow, the team will play against Israel, so we will get to see two different starting lineups in the two games. Bielsa has these two games to decide which 23 players will go to the World Cup. Northern Ireland has a weak team and are almost always at the bottom of the European qualification groups. However, sometimes they play good and are able to steal points from any team. Humberto Suazo is still recovering from his shoulder injury and will probably play in the game. Northern Ireland is ranked 56th by FIFA.

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Chile - Zambia 3-0

Chile wins the friendly over Zambia in Calama after a good second half with the final score 3-0. First half Zambia started off strong and managed to get 0-0 in the half time pause. During the pause, Bielsa substituted many players that are ought to be in the starting-11 during the World Cup. Alexis Sanchéz came in and scored the first two goals, the second one was really nice. Valdivia played very well and scored the last goal with a shot from outside the area.

Things are starting to look good!

*UPDATE* Video highlights below.

Chile vs. Zambia

Chile will play tonight against African country Zambia in an International friendly game as preparation for the World Cup. The game is played at home, in the city of Calama. Zambia is not in the World Cup and is currently ranked as 77th in the FIFA ranking. This game is the final test for some player since after Mancilla's departure, there is only one place left to omit. This should be an easy victory, but more important is to see the players play well as a team.

vs.

Héctor Mancilla is out?

Chilean striker Héctor Mancilla has recently won the Mexican league with his team Toluca. Mancilla scored 23 league goals in 39 games and has won the Mexican Golden Boot two times in a row. However, Mancilla has not been used in the Chilean National team in more than two substitutes during the qualifying round. Mancilla is still in the official 25-man squad, although he has said in an interview that he will not be on the team that will go to South Africa. He feels mistreated and will spend the free-time with his family instead.

Personally I feel that Mancilla would be a great substitute to Suazo, who is not known for having the best stamina. Suazo is also currently recovering from an injury. Chile will need a striker who can score from any opportunity. Now there is only one player left to leave, who will it be? Cereceda or Estrada ... or someone else?

Picture: deportivotolucafc.com

Ojos Rojos

A documentary about the National football team has recently been released in Chilean cinemas. The film has been praised and widely popular amongst fans. It has since the release in May 6th already been seen by thousands of viewers, making it the most seen documentary in Chilean cinemas. If you are a fan, go to a cinema and see it. If you live too far away, wait for the DVD. If you are desperate, don't download it illegally.

Watch the trailer below.

Official synopsis:
Ojos Rojos [Red Eyes] is a documentary film about football and passion in a country that sparks a global rank. During eight years of follow-up to the Chilean national team, the features and nuances that shape us as a society are reflected in both defeat and victory, trying to answer the mystery of this sport that makes it the world's most popular.

5 men are out

As I wrote yesterday, the 30-man squad was dropped to 27, now two more have been dropped. It was announced after the game against Mexico, however I must have missed it. Out are also Pedro Morales (Dynamo Zagreb) and Charles Aranguiz (Colo-Colo). Two more players are expected to leave the Chilean team before the final announcement which is to be made before June 1st.

Goalkeepers:
Claudio Bravo (Real Sociedad), Miguel Pinto (Universidad de Chile), Luis Marin (Union Española).

Defenders:
Roberto Cereceda (Colo Colo), Pablo Contreras (PAOK), Ismael Fuentes (Universidad Catolica), Mauricio Isla (Udinese), Gary Medel (Boca Juniors), Gonzalo Jara (West Bromwich), Waldo Ponce (Universidad Catolica), Arturo Vidal (Bayer Leverkusen).

Midfielders:
Charles Aranguiz (Colo Colo), Carlos Carmona (Reggina), Marco Estrada (Universidad de Chile), Matias Fernandez (Sporting Lisbon), Gonzalo Fierro (Flamengo), Jose Pedro Fuenzalida (Colo Colo), Manuel Iturra (Universidad de Chile), Rodrigo Millar (Colo Colo), Pedro Morales (Dinamo Zagreb), Rodrigo Tello (Besiktas), Jorge Valdivia (Al-Ain), Jaime Valdes (Atalanta).

Forwards:
Jean Beausejour (America), Mark Gonzalez (CSKA Moscow), Hector Mancilla (Toluca), Fabian Orellana (Xerez), Esteban Paredes (Colo Colo), Alexis Sanchez (Udinese), Humberto Suazo (Real Zaragoza).

3 men are out

Three players from Bielsa's preliminary squad are out of the team. The team went from 30 to 27 players. Those who are out are Manuel Iturra (Universidad de Chile), Jaime Valdés (Atalanta) & José Fuenzalida (Colo-Colo). Four more to get rid off.

Goalkeepers:
Claudio Bravo (Real Sociedad), Miguel Pinto (Universidad de Chile), Luis Marin (Union Española).

Defenders:
Roberto Cereceda (Colo Colo), Pablo Contreras (PAOK), Ismael Fuentes (Universidad Catolica), Mauricio Isla (Udinese), Gary Medel (Boca Juniors), Gonzalo Jara (West Bromwich), Waldo Ponce (Universidad Catolica), Arturo Vidal (Bayer Leverkusen).

Midfielders:
Charles Aranguiz (Colo Colo), Carlos Carmona (Reggina), Marco Estrada (Universidad de Chile), Matias Fernandez (Sporting Lisbon), Gonzalo Fierro (Flamengo), Jose Pedro Fuenzalida (Colo Colo), Manuel Iturra (Universidad de Chile), Rodrigo Millar (Colo Colo), Pedro Morales (Dinamo Zagreb), Rodrigo Tello (Besiktas), Jorge Valdivia (Al-Ain), Jaime Valdes (Atalanta).

Forwards:
Jean Beausejour (America), Mark Gonzalez (CSKA Moscow), Hector Mancilla (Toluca), Fabian Orellana (Xerez), Esteban Paredes (Colo Colo), Alexis Sanchez (Udinese), Humberto Suazo (Real Zaragoza).

Chile lost to Mexico

Chile lost in an International friendly against home team Mexico at the large Aztec stadium. The final score is 1-0 after a goal early in the 14th minute from Guadalajara's Alberto Medina. Chile supposedly played bad and Universidad de Chile's Manuel Iturra received a red card after being in the field for 1 (!) minute. Watch the goal below.

Chile's squad:

Goalkeeper:
Luis Marin (Union Española)

Defenders:
Ismael Fuentes (Universidad Catolica)
Waldo Ponce (Universidad Catolica)
Roberto Cerceda (Colo Colo) 46'

Midfielders:
Arturo Vidal (Bayer Leverkusen)
Jorge Valdivia (Al Ain)
Matias Fernandez (Sporting Lisabon)
José Fuenzalida (Colo Colo) 74'
Pedro Morales (Dynamo Zagreb) 58'

Forwards:
Rodrigo Millar (Colo Colo)
Jaime Valdés (Atalanta) 46'

Substitutes:
Fransisco Castro (Cobreloa) 74'
Gonzalo Jara (W.B.A.) 46'
Manuel Iturra (Universidad de Chile) 58'
Jean Beausejour (América) 46'

Final Weekend Starts Off Good

Mark González (0-1): Russian Premier League (2010-05-14) Rubin Kazan - CSKA 0-1

Mark González scored the only goal of the match in CSKA's match against antagonists Rubin Kazan. He received the goal from a pass from the right in the penalty area and makes no mistakes. Speedy González is one of the 30 who are called up for the World Cup, and is probably one of the 23 who are going to the tournament. Watch the goal below.

Thank You Dunga

As many of you have heard by now, Brazil's manager Dunga has left out many star players which would make Brazil favorites to the World Cup title. Ronaldinho (Milan), Pato (Milan), David Luiz (Benfica), Adriano (Flamengo), Diego (Juventus) and even Ronaldo (the original) are left out of the team.

Why is this important? If we remain optimistic, Chile will get the second spot behind Spain in Group H. They would then meet the number 1 team from Group G; Brazil, Portugal, Ivory Coast or North Korea. With their best team, Brazil would probably take the number one spot. Followed by Portugal or the Ivory Coast. Now that Dunga is coming with a semi-descent team, Brazil taking the first place in Group G is not that obvious anymore. I would much rather see Chile play against Portugal or the Ivory Coast at the round of 16's. I believe that we would have a larger chance of beating Portugal or I.C. than we would against Brazil, due to history. At the World Cup of 1998 in France, Chile advanced from their group to play against Brazil (who made it to the finals) and we got beat with 4-1. Lets hope that history will not repeat itself.

Dunga is today very criticized by many football fans. We should thank him for nominating their B-squad for the World Cup.

Chile's Preliminary Squad

Marcelo Bielsa has finally presented the 30-man preliminary squad that will finally become 23 to represent Chile in South Africa next month. There are some surprises, like Jaime Valdés from Atalanta and some domestic players that were called instead of other professionals from outside of Chile. One who was left out was the defensive midfielder Claudio Maldonado from Brazilian club Flamengo, despite of getting remarkably better from a knee injury, Bielsa left him out. Others who were out, although with no surprise are David Pizarro, Luis Jimenéz and Mauricio Pinilla, all of them playing for Italian clubs.

Here is the 30-man squad, 7 of them are to be left out. The players in bold are those who I think will make the final squad.

Goalkeepers:
Claudio Bravo (Real Sociedad), Miguel Pinto (Universidad de Chile), Luis Marin (Union Española).

Defenders:
Roberto Cereceda (Colo Colo), Pablo Contreras (PAOK), Ismael Fuentes (Universidad Catolica), Mauricio Isla (Udinese), Gary Medel (Boca Juniors), Gonzalo Jara (West Bromwich), Waldo Ponce (Universidad Catolica), Arturo Vidal (Bayer Leverkusen).

Midfielders:
Charles Aranguiz (Colo Colo), Carlos Carmona (Reggina), Marco Estrada (Universidad de Chile), Matias Fernandez (Sporting Lisbon), Gonzalo Fierro (Flamengo), Jose Pedro Fuenzalida (Colo Colo), Manuel Iturra (Universidad de Chile), Rodrigo Millar (Colo Colo), Pedro Morales (Dinamo Zagreb), Rodrigo Tello (Besiktas), Jorge Valdivia (Al-Ain), Jaime Valdes (Atalanta).

Forwards:
Jean Beausejour (America), Mark Gonzalez (CSKA Moscow), Hector Mancilla (Toluca), Fabian Orellana (Xerez), Esteban Paredes (Colo Colo), Alexis Sanchez (Udinese), Humberto Suazo (Real Zaragoza).

Swiss Final Squad

Switzerland's German manager Ottmar Hitzfeld presented the 23-man final squad for the World Cup. They have a team consisting of players from central European clubs with a great diversity, however they have no big star. I would say that Arturo Vidal's teammate from Bayer Leverkusen Tranquillo Barnetta is their best player. He is a winger with the ability to dribble past many players. He is good, although Chile has 3-4 similar or better players than Barnetta at this position. Their defense might be tighter than Chile's. Many people predict that Switzerland will struggle with Chile to take the number two spot in Group H. The players in bold are those that I think will make the starting 11.

Goalkeepers:
Diego Benaglio (Wolfsburg), Johnny Leoni (Zurich), Marco Woelfli (Young Boys).

Defenders:
Mario Eggimann (Hanover), Stephane Grichting (Auxerre), Stephan Lichtsteiner (Lazio), Philippe Senderos (Arsenal), Christoph Spycher (Eintracht Frankfurt), Steve Von Bergen (Hertha Berlin), Reto Ziegler (Sampdoria).

Midfielders:
Tranquillo Barnetta (Bayer Leverkusen), Valon Behrami (West Ham), Gelson Fernandes (St Etienne), Benjamin Huggel (Basel), Goekhan Inler (Udinese), Marco Padalino (Sampdoria), Pirmin Schwegler (Eintracht Frankfurt), Xherdan Shaqiri (Basel), Hakan Yakin (Lucerne).

Forwards:
Eren Derdiyok (Bayer Leverkusen), Alexander Frei (Basel), Blaise Nkufo (Twente), Marco Streller (Basel)



Picture: footiewallpapers.com

Honduras' Final Squad

Honduras coach Reinaldo Rueda has selected the final 23 players who will represent the country in the World Cup. They have a few players that are known in Europe. These players are marked in bold.

Goalkeepers:
Ricardo Canales (Motagua), Noel Valladares (Olimpia), Donis Escober (Olimpia).

Defenders:
Victor Bernardez (Anderlecht), Maynor Figueroa (Wigan), Boniek Garcia (Olimpia), Sergio Mendoza (Motagua), Emilio Izaguirre (Motagua), Johnny Palacios (Olimpia), Mauricio Sabillon (Hangzhou Luchen), Osman Chavez (Platense).

Midfielders:
Edgar Alvarez (Bari), Julio Cesar de Leon (Torino), Roger Espinoza (Kansas City Wizards), Amado Guevara (Motagua), Ramon Nunez (Olimpia), Wilson Palacios (Tottenham), Hendry Thomas (Wigan), Danilo Turcios (Olimpia).

Forwards:
David Suazo (Genoa), Georgie Welcome (Motagua), Carlos Pavon (Real Espana), Walter Martinez (Marathon).



Picture: futbolsoccerstore.com

Spain's Preliminary Squad

Spain have announced their preliminary squad for the World Cup. 30 players have been called up by coach Vicente Del Bosque and they look very strong. The final team shall include 23 players, so seven players will lose their spot. Players in bold are the 22 players that I think will make the squad.

Goalkeepers:
Iker Casillas (R. Madrid), David De Gea (Atl. Madrid), Diego Lopez (Villarreal), Pepe Reina (Liverpool), Victor Valdes (Barcelona).

Defenders:
Raul Albiol (R. Madrid), Alvaro Abreloa (R. Madrid), Cesar Azpilicueta (Osasuna), Joan Capdevila (Villarreal), Carlos Marchena (Valencia), Gerard Pique (Barcelona), Carles Puyol (Barcelona), Sergio Ramos (R. Madrid).

Midfielders:
Xabi Alonso (R. Madrid), Sergio Busquets (Barcelona), Cesc Fabregas (Arsenal), Andres Iniesta (Barcelona), Javi Martinez (Ath. Bilbao), Marcos Senna (Villarreal), David Silva (Valencia), Xavi (Barcelona), Santi Cazorla (Villarreal), Jesus Navas (Sevilla), Juan Mata (Valencia).

Forwards:
Pedro (Barcelona), Daniel Guiza (Fenerbahce), Fernando Llorente (Ath. Bilbao), Alvaro Negredo (Sevilla), Fernando Torres (Liverpool), David Villa (Valencia).

Picture: Football-wallpapers.com

From Russia With Love

Mark González (2-1): Russian Premier League (2010-05-10) CSKA - Terek Grozny 4-1

No Chilean goals in Europe this weekend, however the Russian league have several games on Mondays. Speedy González is our only player in that country which means that he scored. He led his team for the comeback as they were down by a goal after Terek scored after 21 minutes. González received the ball at the left of the goal and had no difficulties in placing the ball hard and low, unstoppable for the goalkeeper. González is a player that is very likely to have a spot on the Chilean team for the World Cup.

Watch the video below.

No Goals ... But a World Cup is near.

For the first time since I started this blog, no Chilean players scored in their teams in Europe. As the leagues are ending, this blog will continue to focus on the Chilean team for the World Cup in South Africa. Soon will the teams be called and we will know which are the 22 players who will bring joy to the Chilean people around the world. I will continue to update the blog regularly.

I predict that Chile will advance from their group, and make leave a mark of positiveness. The team will make us proud. No matter if you are watching the games live in South Africa, or on television anywhere in the world. We have an offensive team, we want to see goals, we want the young players to play mature and with passion. We want no red cards unless they treat us too bad. Be proud of this team! ViVa Chile, Mierda!

Chile wins

Chile beat Trinidad & Tobago with 2-0 after last night's International friendly match in Iquique.

Pedro Morales, who currently plays for Croatia's Dynamo Zagreb scored in the first minute, after a very nice first attack. He was the only Chilean player that was called in from a European team. The goal certainly have him a much better chance of making the World Cup team. He is an offensive creative midfielder, and if he makes the team will compete against players like Mati Fernandez, Jorge Valdivia and unfortunate, many others.

The second goal was scored in the 48'th minute by 20-year old Colo-Colo defender Sebastian Toro.

Both goals can be seen below.

International Friendly

Chile will play tonight against Trinidad &Tobago for an International friendly match in Iquique, Chile. It was announced late and is mainly a test for players who are in the verge of taking or losing a spot on the team for the World Cup. Therefore are all regular players not called up for the game.

Trinidad &Tobago played in Germany for the World Cup in 2006. They were in a group with Sweden, England & Paraguay. They managed to lose against England and Paraguay, however they did play 0-0 against Sweden. They can be seen as a good test where they have similarities to Honduras, who Chile will play in the World Cup in South Africa this summer.

Sunday glory

Alexis Sanchéz (1-2): Serie A (2010-05-02) Cagliari - Udinese 2-2

Once again, El Niño Maravilla scores for his Udinese. He has really exploded lately and will hopefully bring this great form to the World Cup, so Spanish defenders - WATCH OUT!
The goal? It was pretty basic, he stood unmarked at a center and could head the ball from close. But once again, he stood at the right place at the right time.



Rodrigo Tello (1-3): Turkcell Süper Lig (2010-05-02) Diyarbakirspor - Besiktas 1-3

Tello scored again for Besiktas in their game against Diyarbakirspor. It was the last goal of the game and it came from a firm header. Besiktas are currently in fourth place in the Turkish league, however they have no chance of qualifying for the Champions League next season, so they will play in Europa League instead. Tello is one of few players that are definitely up for a spot on the Chilean World Cup team.

Saturday goal and failure

Mario Salgado (1-0): Serie B (2010-05-01) Torino - Gallipoli 2-0

Relatively unknown Chilean striker Mario Salgado scored for his Torino against Gallipoli. Salgado is a 28 year old who has been playing for different Italian clubs for almost 10 years. Torino is currently in 6th place, four points up to being promoted to Serie A with four matches left. Salgado has not played for La Roja, except for some sub-20 matches some years ago, and he has only played four games for Torino this season. Therefore I doubt that he will be called up to La Roja for the World Cup. The goal was pretty nice, a header from far away directly from a corner, watch it here below.



Now some sad news. Luis Jiménez has been sent out for the third time this season for Parma. Today in the game against Roma, he received his second yellow card at the 88th minute. As he was lent in from West Ham in January this year, he has as mentioned been sent out three times in eleven games. This is not acceptable for any professional player.

Picture: Google

15

Chile is now ranked by FIFA in their May 2010 ranking as Top-15 Nation in the world. They dropped two places since last month.

1. Brazil
2. Spain
3. Portugal
4. Netherlands
5. Italy
6. Germany
7. Argentina
8. England
9. Croatia
10. France
11. Russia
12. Greece
13. Egypt
14. U.S.A.
15. Chile

26. Switzerland
40. Honduras