3 Reasons Why Chile Were Eliminated

1. Wasted Scoring Opportunities

During the first two games, Chile were so superior the other teams and could have scored by many goals if they had not wasted their opportunities. If Chile would have a better goal difference, they would have been number one in Group H and played against Portugal, which I think are a weaker opposition than Brazil. More goals in these two games would have also meant more confidence for the players and more frightening the next opponents.

2. Marco Rodriguez

I usually don't complain for more than a day about the referee. But with the Mexican (I refuse to call him a referee), we were stolen a fair chance of playing our game against Spain. We lost that game because of a man that would do anything to put himself in the center of attention. Our players got afraid of playing their play of constant pressure on the opponent. I think that FIFA needed Spain in the round of 16 and selected a referee that was not afraid of controversy. Spain were good enough to kill the game after Millar's goal, but seriously ... Two shots on goal and two goals? Is that the game that will take Spain to a World Cup title? Marco Rodriguez took away our opportunity to play with two of our best players against Brazil. The game against Spain was not tough, it was constantly destroyed by Rodriguez whistle and cards. Estrada was also incorrectly sent off for the invisible touch against Torres. We could have had a better chance against Brazil if we would have had another referee instead of Marco Rodriguez. I know that Australia hate him as well.

3. Great Opposition

For the two games, Chile played against the number two in the World, Spain. They are European Champions after a great tournament in 2008 and were undefeated in the qualifying round for the World Cup. Their league is ranked as the best of the World and its players are among the best ranked players in the world.
In the round of 16, Chile played against Brazil, who are currently the best Nation in the World at this sport. A country with the best tradition of creating the best and technically skilled players. Previously from previous generations, Brazil have a team which skills in not only in it's attacking, but also at the defense and a goal keeper of World Class. We were put down by an effective Brazil that scored in their every opportunity. Chile could have had a better chance with Medel and Ponce on the field.
Chile could have reached the finals, with better luck at the draw and played teams like Italy, France or Denmark. Instead we lost against the best two teams in the World. We are out of the World Cup in South Africa 2010 with pride and honor. Chile are one of the few teams that have been a pleasure to watch as they fearless attacked with players that gave their all and a staff that cared about the players, fans and the country.

World Cup in Brazil 2014, here we come!

Chile - Brazil 0-3

Chile lost in the round of 16 against Brazil, again. Just as in, almost on the day, twelve years ago at the World Cup in France 1998. That time, Brazil was up 3-0 at halftime but the game ended with 4-1.

Chile started the game very well, they were fearless and had pressure on the Brazilian who were pushed back to defense. After about 10 minutes, Brazil were able to move up a bit and create opportunities. There were many shots from the outside of the penalty area from both teams, but they were either wide or taken by the goalkeepers.

Chile was in the game for 35 minutes where Sanchez and Suazo had the Brazilian defense on hold. Beausejour was also very active with his runs and challenges. Brazil's best man was Maicon at his right side. They got a corner from the right in the 34th minute where Juan got his head on the ball and Bravo was close to saving it. It was no argue, 182 cm Juan's goal was a light of confidence for the Verde-Amarela. A few minutes later, Robinho passed to striker Luis Fabiano, who escaped the offside and scored by rounding Bravo. 2-0 and Chile was down on 9. Chile tried to get up and continue the fight but with Gonzalez's two opportunities wasted at the end of the first half. Bielsa had to do something at the break.

And how he did it! Tello, who I wanted at the left midfield against Spain, and Valdivia came in instead of Contreras and Gonzalez. Contreras was too slow to catch up with the speedy Brazilians and Gonzalez had wasted too many opportunities to gave Bielsa's confidence for the rest of the match.

Vidal was booked early on the second half and Chile lost its fighting power. Man of the match, Robinho got an opportunity to score and took it in the 60th minute. Now it was all or nothing. Last match's success, Millar came in instead of Isla, who had no luck in the right side. Chile tried with many combinations but could not break up Brazil's tight defense. Suazo, Sanchez, Valdivia and Beausejour had semi-opportunities but with no chance of scoring. The game ended and Brazil crushed us again. Now they are up with 47 wins against our 7. Chile is out of the tournament, but with our great play won many new fans from around the world.

Notable after the game was that:
Maicon's dive in the 35th is a sign that he will be joining L.A. Galaxy, close to Hollywood.
Sanchez was only superb against bad competition, but is he good enough for Sir Alex?
Brazil have mental superiority over Chile.
For the first time, the referee was very good.
Brazil's defense was their strength.
Can Luis Fabiano ever have a bad game against Chile?
Valdivia is at his best when he is a substitute.
Bielsa is not afraid of substituting any player that have not achieved good standard.
2005-2010: Brazil - Chile 28-6.
World Cup 2014, Chile will be there.

Mission Impossible?

Chile wins: 7
Draws: 12
Brazil wins: 46 47


28 June 2010: Chile - Brazil World Cup in South Africa

They have the numbers, we have the heart and spirit

Focus on our Rivals: Brazil

Qualification: 1st in South American qualification group World Ranking: 1 Head Coach: Dunga Captain: Lúcio Most Capped Player: Cafu 142 (1990-2006) Top Goalscorer: Pelé 77 (1957-1971).

Star Players: The Whole Team!

The Team: Brazil is the most successful National team in the history of the World Cup with 5 Championships. They are one of the favorites of winning the tournament, as they are for this one as well. They come as the number one ranked team in the World and they won their qualification group with 34 points, however only one more than Chile. To this World Cup, they come with one of the greatest goalkeeper in Inter Milan's Julio Cesar, winner of the Serie A, Coppa Italia and the Champions League this season. The defence is top class as well with two more players from this year success Inter Milan, Lucio and Maicon. Juan and relatively new player Michel Bastos from Lyon. Their midfield is mainly concentrated to the creative play of Kaka, star player from Real Madrid. Brazil's top weapon has always been their attacking play. Luis Fabiano and Robinho are two of the chosen players to conduct a 6th championship to Brazil.

How They Got Here: Just as Chile, Brazil were outstanding in the South American qualification round. However, they are always keeping the same top quality no matter what team they bring out. They played 18 games and managed to only lose two of them. Chile lost both matches, at home with 0-3 and in Brazil with 4-2. Luis Fabiano was the top goal scorer with 9 goals and managed to get on top of the worst discipline list with one red and 3 yellow cards.

Form: They are always winning. In the group stage of the World Cup, They won 2 games against North Korea (2-1) and against Ivory Coast (3-1). The final game against Portugal was left scoreless.

Our Chances of Beating You: According to FIFA, Chile have not overcome Brazil since a friendly in 1993. Last time Chile went to the round of 16, they met Brazil who won with 4-1. Brazil won both matches in the qualification round with a total of 7-2. In the Copa America in 2007 Brazil met Chile in the group stage and won with 3-0. They met again in the quarter final and Brazil crushed Chile with 6-1. Castrol gives Chile a low 22% chance of winning the game.

Chile can win if they play as they have before, fearless. They need to forget who they are playing and just do their game. They will only have a few chances so they must score on any opportunity they get. Once again Alexis Sanchez will play against the left defender who is the weakest in the lineup, Michel Bastos. Bravo needs to show that he is better and not make the same mistake as he did against Spain, when they scored the first goal. Bielsa must show that he is several levels better a manager than Dunga.

My Prediction: Chile - Brazil 2-2 (5-4 on penalties).

Flashback 1998

Chile - Italy 2-2
1-0 Vieri 10'
1-1 Salas 45'
1-2 Salas 49'
2-2 Baggio (P) 85'

11 June 1998
Parc Lescure, Bordeaux
Attendance: 31,800
Referee: Lucien Bouchardeau (Niger)

Chile's first game of the World Cup in France 1998. Christian Vieri scores early but Chile shocks Italy by coming back and taking the lead by two goals from Marcelo Salas. Roberto Baggio snipes the hand of a Chilean defender and is given a penalty, which he scores on. We all hated that referee this summer.

Chile - Austria 1-1
1-0 Salas 70'
1-1 Polster 90'

17 June 1998
Stade Geoffroy-Guichard, Saint-Étienne
Attendance: 30,600
Referee: Gamal Al-Ghandour (Egypt)

Chile played now Austria in Saint-Étienne. The match was not as vivid as the one against Italy, but Chile controlled the game. Ivan Zamorano was very active and played great with Salas who scored the first goal. In overtime of the second half, Austria had their chance, Polster shot from a distance and scored beautifully in the right corner, unreachable for Chilean goalkeeper Nelson Tapia.

Chile - Cameroon 1-1
1-0 Sierra 20'
1-1 Mboma 55'

23 June 1998
Stade de la Beaujoire, Nantes
Attendance: 35,500
Referee: Laszlo Vagner (Hungary)

Chile had two point after the first two games, and were in need of at least one more in this game to advance from their group and Cameroon were forced to win. Rigobert Song didn't make it easy for his African team when he was brutal to Zamorano. Chile got a freekick right outside the area and our nr10 'Coto' Sierra scored beautifully. Chile was now in the round of 16. When Mboma scored in the 55th minute, there was a lot of anxiety, but Chile could handle the pressure, and with the help of the referee the game ended at a tie.



Brazil - Chile 4-1
1-0 César Sampaio 11'
2-0 César Sampaio 27'
3-0 Ronaldo (P) 45'
3-1 Salas 68'
4-1 Ronaldo 70'

27 June 1998
Parc des Princes, Paris
Attendance: 45,500
Referee: Marc Batta (France)

Chile stood chance less against Brazil, who made it to the finals (where they lost to France). They had Ronaldo in his finest form and we were down by three goals after the first half. Salas scored and gave us hope, but that was taken away two minutes later when Ronaldo scored his second, and final goal of the game.

If we are unlucky in World Cup 2010, If Chile advance from group H, they will meet the winner/second of group G. Brazil is in that group. I don't think that Chile would stand a chance, once Brazil is pass their group. We have met Brazil several times, and no matter how good Chile plays, Brazil will either way win. That's why my hope is on Dunga, the dream is that Brazil does not advance from group G, because Portugal, the Ivory Coast or North Corea would suit Chile better in the second stages of the World Cup in South Africa.

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.