Chilean Player Presentation: Attackers

7. Alexis Sánchez ****+

Date of Birth: 19 December, 1988 Height: 170 cm Weight: 62 kg Foot: Right Caps: 28 Goals: 11 Club: Udinese (Italy)

“El Niño Maravilla” (The Wonderkid) is one of the world’s greatest talents. He is only 21 years old but has proven to be a forceful goal scorer since a very young age. His splendid technique has always been there, but lately he has been building up his speed, stamina and strength which have now taken him to being a starting attacker at Serie A club Udinese. The world is watching Sánchez and there have been rumors of clubs wanting to spend big money on signing this kid. He has the ability to become one of the greatest, however, the next step he takes in his career will be determining for his future. Alexis comes to the World Cup with a great form, having scored in almost every game lately both in “La Roja” and in Udinese. He played 12 games in the qualifying round where he only scored 3 goals, but did balance good performances with bad ones. Sánchez will have to step up in the shadows of teammate Suazo’s injury which may leave him out of the first games.

9. Humberto Suazo ****

Date of Birth: 10 May, 1981 Height: 172 cm Weight: 76 kg Foot: Right Caps: 42 Goals: 18 Club: Monterrey (Mexico)

“Chupete” Suazo is the Chilean attacker that with his 10 goals became the top scorer in the South American qualification round. Suazo was besides Bravo, the Chilean player that played all 18 games for Chile. After scoring 52 goals for Colo-Colo in 2006, Suazo became a professional in Mexico when Monterrey bought him. There he top-scored in the Clausura 2008 and helped his team win the Apertura 2009, the same year he was voted best player in the Mexican league. In January 2010, he got the chance to play in Europe as Spanish team Real Zaragoza lent him for the rest of the season. Suazo had a success as he scored 6 times in 17 games. The price set for him from Monterrey has been too high for him to return to Zaragoza, but there are other European clubs lining up to get his signature. It will depend on how he plays in the World Cup. Suazo ended his season at Zaragoza injured. It was an injury at his right shoulder which kept him out of football for a month. It was a long enough absence to get yet another injury in his comeback game against Israel, this time a pulled hamstring which will probably take him out for the first game of the World Cup. His importance is vital for the team, because he is a true goal scorer and can score against great opponents, like two goals against Brazil in 2010.

11. Mark González ***

Date of Birth: 10 July, 1984 Height: 176 cm Weight: 74 kg Foot: Left Caps: 39 Goals: 3 Club: CSKA Moscow (Russia)

“Speedy” González is one of the world’s fastest players. He currently plays for Russian top team CSKA, and has represented other teams such as Liverpool and Real Betis. There is no doubt that he is a player of good quality, but has been stuck at the same level for some time now, he is known for being struck with injuries. Maybe a World Cup can help him develop his ability even more? González played 13 games in the qualifying round, but he did not score. The National team has not been blessed by his scoring, as he has only struck 3 times in 39 attempts. As consolation, he is sometimes used as a left winger. He will probably be a starting player at the World Cup.

15. Jean Beausejour ***

Date of Birth: 1 June, 1984 Height: 178 cm Weight: 81 kg Foot: Left Caps: 26 Goals: 1 Club: America (Mexico)

Beausejour is a left winger or attacker that plays in Mexico for team America (pun intended). He has played for several teams around Chile but has not until lately become good enough for the National team. Beausejour is fast and has good technique, which are good abilities for a winger. Bielsa knows what Beausejour can do, and he delivers almost always. He played 12 games in the qualifying round and he scored his first goal against Bolivia. His strength lies in his movement; he is a player that can brake up a tight defense with his constant movement. He is (by Chilean measures) tall and it is possible for him to score with headers, just as he did against Bolivia. A good World Cup can for Beausejour take him to a better deal in a European league, I am sure he is capable in doing good over here.

16. Fabian Orellana **

Date of Birth: 27 January, 1986 Height: 171 cm Weight: 68 kg Foot: Right Caps: 16 Goals: 2 Club: Udinese (Italy)

Fabian Orellana is an offensive midfielder, right winger or attacker that played last season for Spanish team Xerez. However, he was lent by Udinese where he will return to if no other club show their interest. Fabian is the young player that broke Chile’s curse when he scored for the first time against Argentina, a team which Chile had never beaten in a World Cup qualification round. Orellana had a difficult season at Xerez but could after a slow start play 26 games and he scored twice, however Orellana could not help Xerez to avoid relegation from La Liga. He has good technique and his centers are crucial, especially if they come from a free kick. Maybe Orellana is Bielsa’s secret weapon? He is probably not a starter, but a good candidate to an offensive substitute. With this rate, Orellana’s future looks bright.

22. Esteban Paredes **

Date of Birth: 1 August, 1980 Height: 177 cm Weight: 78 kg Foot: Right/Left Caps: 14 Goals: 6 Club: Colo-Colo

Esteban Paredes is a strong and natural goal scorer. He plays for Chilean giants Colo-Colo and is a regular starter there. He only played one game in the qualifying round, in the last game against Ecuador. He scored the only goal in the preparatory International friendly game against Northern Ireland. Paredes has a similar style to Suazo, and can be a starter in the absence of the latter, due to injury. Paredes’s 6 goals in 14 International games speaks for itself, he is an attacker of good quality, despite playing in the domestic league. His set pieces are deadly and his ability to use both feet are important inside of the penalty area.

Chilean Player Presentation: Midfielders

6. Carlos Carmona **+

Date of Birth: 21 February, 1987 Height: 179 cm Weight: 70 kg Foot: Right Caps: 20 Goals: 0 Club: Reggina (Italy)

Carlos Carmona is despite his young age an experienced player in “La Roja”, having played 20 games. He was also the captain of the successful Under 20 team that came in third place in the Under 20 Championship in Canada 2007. Carmona has for two seasons played regularly for Italian Serie B club Reggina, however with no luck of scoring, either in his professional club or at the National team. Carmona is a defensive midfielder and can play at the right side, either as a midfielder or as a defender as well. He played in the start of the qualifying round for 11 games and has the team record of top cards, 6 yellow. Carlos also played in the preparatory International friendly games where Chile beat Israel and Zambia, both times by 3-0.

8. Arturo Vidal ***+

Date of Birth: 22 May, 1987 Height: 180 cm Weight: 74 kg Foot: Right Caps: 23 Goals: 1 Club: Bayer Leverkusen (Germany)

Arturo Vidal is a personal favorite in the Chilean midfield. He is underestimated when speaking about the team’s strength. Vidal is one of Leverkusen’s most important players having played constantly from start in during his three seasons there. Leverkusen is a top-team in the German Bundesliga. In a contrast to Sanchez or Suazo’s importance to their teams who struggled in the bottom of their leagues. Mati Fernandez has struggled since he came to Europe to take a starting place. Rodrigo Tello and David Pizarro (despite his absence in this World Cup) are the only players that have the same important part in a top team in Europe as Vidal. Vidal is strong, fast and has a stamina that is out of this world. His weakness is that he can sometimes become unfocused and is given a yellow card in every other game; in a World Cup this can be devastating. Vidal was Chile’s top scorer in the Under 20 Championship in 2007. Vidal played 11 games in the qualifying round scoring his only goal against Venezuela. His position is defensive midfielder or a full back.

10. Jorge Valdivia ***+

Date of Birth: 19 October, 1983 Height: 173 cm Weight: 71 kg Foot: Right Caps: 39 Goals: 4 Club: Al-Ain (United Arab Emirates)

“El Mago” (The magician) is the Chilean nr 10 in a classical way. His offensive skills are masterly but he surely lacks much defensive play and stamina. Valdivia competes with Matí Fernández for the creative part of the team. He is despite of his age, one of the most experienced players in the team. Valdivia went from Colo-Colo to become a success in Brazilian team Palmeiras for two seasons. Last year he was surprisingly bought by Arab team Al-Ain despite having European interest. He surely went for the Oil-money and it cost him personal development, due to poor matching. He has been playing a lot lately in the National team and has done great every time he is substituted (for Matí Fernández). However, he is not a 90’ minute man yet. Valdivia played only 6 games in the qualifying round and scored once against Colombia. Just as Contreras, Valdivia was in the notorious squad that was banned after a disciplinary act which cost him 10 games. Due to Matí Fernández currently poor form, Valdivia is the one that must put on a show in every game if Chile wants to survive Group H.

13. Marco Estrada **

Date of Birth: 28 May, 1983 Height: 177 cm Weight: 75 kg Foot: Left Caps: 22 Goals: 1 Club: HSC Montpellier (France)

Marco Estrada is a midfielder from Universidad de Chile, who recently was bought by French team HSC Montpellier. He played an important part of the qualifying team where he played 9 games in the midfield, where there is much competition. Estrada scored his only National goal against Bolivia, but what a goal from the left-footed Chilean. He will hopefully be a player that will be of quiet importance.

14. Matías Fernández ****

Date of Birth: 15 May, 1986 Height: 176 cm Weight: 75 kg Foot: Right Caps: 37 Goals: 7 Club: Sporting Lisbon (Portugal)

“Matigol” is the Chilean wonderkid that usually represent the Chilean team to the rest of the world. He has scored 7 goals in “La Roja”, 4 of them came in the qualifying round where he was prominent along with Bravo and Suazo. Matí’s success at Colo-Colo in 2006 earned him an award as South American Player of the Year. He was rapidly bought to Spanish club Villarreal where Matí never could settle. Last year he signed to Portuguese top club Sporting Lisbon, where the whole team had an awful season. Matí is the young star with the creative skills as nr 10, where he competes with Valdivia. If Matí has a good day, not many world-class defenders can stop him. FIFA writes; “His closest compatriots on the field of play are Sanchez and Suazo, with whom he has developed a near-telepathic understanding”. His largest weakness has developed after his award for South American Player of the Year, where Matí has too much pressure on himself. He is sometimes invisible in the field and can make rookie-mistakes in one game, and on the contrary play as a god the following week. A good World Cup by Matí could bring him back to the highest scene in no time.

19. Gonzalo Fierro **+

Date of Birth: 21 March, 1983 Height: 171 cm Weight: 71 kg Foot: Right Caps: 18 Goals: 1 Club: Flamengo (Brazil)

Right-midfielder Fierro is a short, speedy player that for the last two seasons has played for Brazilian top-team Flamengo. He has only played 4 games in the qualifying round, but is always a hard working player that took him to the final 23 that made the World Cup. He may not play as a starter, but is good to have in games where the game is concentrated to the wings. Fierro can also play as an attacker, which is his original position.

20. Rodrigo Millar *+

Date of Birth: 3 November, 1981 Height: 183 cm Weight: 75 kg Foot: Right Caps: 21 Goals: 1 Club: Colo-Colo

Millar is one of the oldest players in this young team, and also one of the few domestic players. He is the one with probably the least experiences of big games. He has been in and out of the National team, although brought back in the final games and took his chance which got him to the final 23. He is not a goal scorer unless it is against Venezuela, in one of his 6 games in the qualifying round. Millar will not play from start, unless there are injuries on the other right midfielders in the team. But with hard work and loyalty, he can definitely come in and score in important games. He is also one of the tallest player of the team, which can be useful at set pieces.

21. Rodrigo Tello ***+

Date of Birth: 14 October, 1979 Height: 170 cm Weight: 68 kg Foot: Left Caps: 34 Goals: 3 Club: Besiktas (Turkey)

“Grandpa” Tello is along with Contreras the oldest players in “La Roja”. He has lots of experience of top football in Europe, which probably got him the place in the final 23. Tello only played one game in the qualifying round, as a substitute for Matí Fernández against Peru in March 2009. He plays in Turkish top club Besiktas where they often play in the Champions League tournament. I will always remember his goal against Manchester United in 2009. Tello is left-footed so it means that he in the competition for the left winger spot. It will be a bit difficult for him to be a starter due to the fact that he has not played much with the team. Tello is undoubtfully a hard working player that is able to run up and down for 90+ minutes.

Chilean Player Presentation: Defenders

2. Ismael Fuentes **

Date of Birth: 4 August, 1981 Height: 182 cm Weight: 79 kg Foot: Right Caps: 28 Goals: 1 Club: Universidad Católica

Ismael Fuentes is a local player that has a tendency to always be called up to play for the National team. He is definitely not bad, especially not in man-marking. He is tough to play against. Ismael played 8 games in the qualifying round and scoring one goal against Colombia. He may not be a starting player but he is close to being, so we will probably see him in the pitch at some time or other. He recently came back from a 5-year professional trip to Mexico, where he played for Jaguares and Atlas.

3. Waldo Ponce ***

Date of Birth: 4 December, 1982 Height: 183 cm Weight: 77 kg Foot: Right Caps: 25 Goals: 2 Club: Universidad Católica

A personal favorite, Ponce is a modern defender who can play anywhere in the defensive field. He is fast, has good passing skills and scores often at set pieces. Ponce played along Jara, most games as defender in the qualifying round, as many as 13 and scored one of his two goals in “La Roja” against Colombia. Ponce is a starting player, and will hopefully bring much happiness to us fans as he stops the other team’s attackers.

4. Mauricio Isla ***

Date of Birth: 12 June, 1988 Height: 176 cm Weight: 72 kg Foot: Right Caps: 12 Goals: 0 Club: Udinese (Italy)

Isla is the future of Chile, along with the rest of the players that won the bronze medal in the Under 20 World Cup in Canada in 2007. Italian club Udinese saw him and “wanted him at all costs”. Isla can play as either a defensive midfielder or as a defender, where he does both in his club. To prove his high level, Isla played 28 games as a starting player in the Serie A this season. In the qualifying round he only played 5 games and got sent off one time in the draw against Uruguay.

5. Pablo Contreras ***

Date of Birth: 11 September, 1978 Height: 181 cm Weight: 78 kg Foot: Right Caps: 51 Goals: 1 Club: PAOK Thessaloniki (Greece)

Pablo Contreras, one of Chile’s veterans is a full back playing as a regular starter in Greek Champions PAOK. Pablo has a lot of routine from high level football from his many years of European club football after he left Colo-Colo in 2000. Although he only played 5 games in the qualifying round, Bielsa will probably use him as a starting player in the three-man defense. The main reason for his absence is a 20-game suspension he was given after a brawl in Venezuela after a defeat in Copa America. What speak for him are his 51 caps for Chile, which most of all players in today’s team.

17. Gary Medel ***+

Date of Birth: 3 August, 1987 Height: 172 cm Weight: 71 kg Foot: Right Caps: 24 Goals: 3 Club: Boca Juniors (Argentina)

The Chilean “Pitbull” has despite his young age definitely made a mark of himself across Latin America. Medel is along Ponce a personal favorite, and they make a great team together. If Medel plays good in the World Cup, there will be many European clubs after him. He has been playing in Argentinean club Boca Juniors, who has had an awful season, but Medel being their best player. He played 28 games as a starter and scoring 7 goals. Just as Isla, Medel can play as a defender and as a defensive midfielder, because he is literally EVERYWHERE where the ball is. In the qualifying round, Medel played 12 games and scored twice in the 2-0 away win against Bolivia in difficult high altitude capital La Paz. Watch this goal. The “Pitbull” is going to South Africa to leave a mark, just watch.

18. Gonzalo Jara ***

Date of Birth: 29 August, 1985 Height: 178 cm Weight: 77 kg Foot: Right Caps: 34 Goals: 3 Club: West Bromwich Albion (England)

Gonzalo Jara is according to FIFA, a classy, elegant footballer known for his impressive aerial ability and calm reading of the game. During his debut season at hard playing W.B.A in English Championship league Jara played 20 games from start and scoring one goal until he unfortunately got injured. He did not play football in a period of three months until he made a comeback in the International friendly against Mexico which Chile lost 0-1. He also played in the wins against Israel and Zambia. In the qualifying round, Jara played an impressive 13 games and score twice, against Venezuela and Colombia. He will most likely be a starting player in the World Cup. Next season he will play in the highest quality English Premier League since his team W.B.A finished in 2^nd place in the Coca-Cola Championship.

Bon Voyage Chile

The Chilean team has now left Chile to their destination Nelspruit, South Africa. They were greeted in the streets of Santiago by thousands of fans as their bus cruised was escorted by the police to the airport. Hopefully will this departure inspire the team to give their all and play for their people, specially after the earthquake that tragically hit the country in February.

Pictures from: lanacion.cl

Silly Season: Marco Estrada

There is a lot going on now, this blog gets more and more readers, it's time for me to upgrade the content. This is the introduction of a new type of submission: Silly Season of the players of La Roja. There will be NO rumors! However, more like ready set transfers presented by several large sources or an official presentation by the involving clubs.

Marco Estrada, one of the 24 left of La Roja is set to sign with French club HSC Montpellier in Ligue 1. Estrada has played for Universidad de Chile since 2007 as a defender/defensive midfielder. He is 27 years old and has 20 International caps, scoring one goal against Bolivia in 2009. Estrada played for Chile in the wins against Northern Ireland and Zambia. The transfer sum is around €1 million. Montpellier ended their season with a comfortable 5th place in Ligue 1, and were therefore qualified to play Europa League next season.

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.

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

Mark Gonzalez chat with FIFA

FIFA.com have an article posted where Mark Gonzalez is interviewed. He speaks about his family history, being born in South Africa and moving to Chile as a child. 'Speedy Gonzalez' also talks about La Roja and the importance of coach Bielsa.

Like the other interviews posted before in this blog, a short section is presented and you can read the rest here.

Moreover, this will be a first finals for Gonzalez and his fellow La Roja squad-mates, given Chile’s absence from world football’s top table since France 1998. The former Liverpool flyer firmly believes that Argentinian coach Marcelo Bielsa deserves a large share of the credit for their return: “At first we struggled a bit to adapt to the tempo and system of play that coach Bielsa was trying to get across.”

“But by the end of [South American Zone] qualifying we were playing on instinct, with a well-structured system. What matters most is that we proved we’re a tough team to play and we always go out to try and win,” added Gonzalez, with obvious pride. “He [Bielsa] came to Chile to change how we played the game. What we're doing now is totally different to before. There’s no other coach like him: he’s a perfectionist.”

“He’s very respectful, is a very good guy and is always approachable. When it comes to work he’s very strict, very disciplined. And everything he does is reflected in our play,” continued Gonzalez on former Argentina boss Bielsa, who took over the Chilean helm in August 2007.

Picture: Google

Pinilla & Jiménez are out

As I wrote yesterday, Valdés and Pizarro are doubtful about their future in the Chilean team. Now it is Mauricio Pinilla's turn to tell us that he will most likely NOT play for Chile in South Africa. In an interview, the Grosseto attacker said that he gives up hopes in playing for Bielsa's team. He thinks that Bielsa already has a team that he believes in and that "outsiders" like him will not get a chance to prove their skills. Pinilla has played in the national team, however he has shown an immature personality in his younger years that still haunts him. The Serie B top scorer will not play for Grosseto more this season due to an injury and is also placed in several higher ranked Italian clubs. Today there were rumors of Jiménez's Parma has laid an offer for the striker.

At the same time, Jiménez also speaks about the same issue in another interview. He believes that the Italian based players (excluding Sanchéz & Isla) are not a priority for Bielsa's plans. Jiménez speaks warm of Valdés, who is a friend even though their different clubs.

Pictures from: http://www.transfermarkt.de

Valdés & Pizarro to South Africa?

Jaime Valdés spoke in an interview about his chances of taking a place in La Roja for the World Cup. He has only played two games for Chile, and they were several years ago. Valdés is currently playing his best football in his 10-year Italian career. In the interview, he also said that Bielsa should consider calling David Pizarro, who has also not played any game in the World Cup qualifying round. Both Valdés and Pizarro have been at the top of their game. Pizarro's Roma are now number 1 in Serie A, after Inter lost two points in their draw against Fiorentina this weekend.
Should Bielsa call Valdés and Pizarro?
There is definitely competition for the offensive/creative midfielder roles in La Roja. Valdivia, Orellana, Jimenez, Matí and Villanueva are some player that all have superb creative qualities. FIFA has statistics of all players who played for La Roja in the qualifying round.

Pictures from: http://www.transfermarkt.de

Weekend goals

Alexis Sanchéz (0-1): Serie A (2010-04-11) Livorno - Udinese 0-2

'El niño maravilla' has woken up late this season scoring for the second week in a row. His goal came early in the game, allowing Udinese to have an advantage throughout the rest of teh game. Hopefully he will keep this good form for the World Cup which starts in two months. Alexis currently said that he is enjoying this period in his career. We have high expectations of you.

Luis Jiménez (2-3): Serie A (2010-04-11) Napoli - Parma 2-3

Jiménez was loaned to Parma from Inter (via West Ham) during the transfer opening in January and has made quite an impression on Parma. He has been expulsed two games in a row in February. Today, he scored the last goal for Parma, who's had a descent season as newcomers of Serie A. Jimenez has played about 20 games for Chile, even a few as a captain. However, his appearance under Bielsa's team has not been great, he has only played two games in the qualifying round back in 2007.



Arturo Vidal (1-1): Bundesliga (2010-04-10) Leverkusen - Bayern München 1-1

Arturo Vidal has been one of Leverkusen's best player this season. The team has been at the top of the league most of the season. This weekend Leverkusen played against rivals Bayern München, who are league leaders and Champions League semi-finalists. The game ended 1-1 and Vidal's goal was not the nicest, a rebound from a freekick placed him alone in front of the goal, but he's a defensive midfielder whose yellow cards are far more common than goals. His importance for the both Leverkusen and La Roja is indisputable and I see no problem in him being a starter of La Roja's first three games in the World Cup.

Happy Chilean Easter Weekend

Alexis Sanchez (1-0): Serie A (2010-04-03) Udinese - Juventus 3-0

El "niño maravilla" scored the first goal against the old lady Juventus. His Udinese managed to win big, by three goals and are safe from relegation at this moment. The goal was pretty nice, a shot from Di Natale that touched the bar, and the rebound went to Alexis Sanchez that did not make any mistake. He is often a starting player of the team and is also a prospect to be seen at the World Cup. I'm sure that nobody will doubt his talent.

Jaime Valdés (1-0): Serie A (2010-04-03) Atalanta - Siena 2-0

Valdés is once again a goalscorer in Italian Serie A. Atalanta is in a struggle for survival in the league and, with the win against Siena they are only three points behind safe-place 17 which Lazio currently are holding. The goal from Valdés? It is a beautiful shot from outside the area, watch it below.

Mauricio Pinilla (0-1): Serie B (2010-04-02) Ascoli - Grosseto 1-1

Pinilla has scored once again for Grosseto in Serie B. His team are targeting a Serie A place, only three points behind. Next week, they will play against at home against Vicenza which are on 16th place. Pinilla's goal is OK, scoring with the tip of his toe from a center. Will Bielsa take him out after scoring almost 30 goals in a season? Pinilla hasn't played any game for La Roja since they appointed Bielsa. Can he be a Joker for the Chilean team in South Africa?

Humberto Suazo (2-0): La Liga (2010-04-03) Real Zaragoza - Malaga 2-0

Suazo has scored again, this time against Malaga. Zaragoza has really transformed since January when Suazo and others were brought in to the team. They are on 15th place and is expected a mid-table placement. The goal was really nice, a real striker move by Suazo. El Chupete with El niño maravilla on his side will cause many nightmares for Spain's, Swiss' and Honduran defenders.

3 friendly matches planned

Chile will play three friendly matches before the World Cup.

2010-03-31 Chile - Venezuela
2010-05-16 Mexico - Chile
2010-06-09 Chile - New Zealand (In Nelspruit, South Africa)

Remember that Chile had to cancel two friendlies (see below) due to the effects of the earthquake in February.

Rough Diamonds

An interesting article from FIFA about the young star players in Chile's team for the World Cup.

Pizarro goal

David Pizarro (2-3): Serie A (2010-03-14) Livorno - Roma 3-3



Pizarro scored Roma's last goal in the game against Livorno. Although, in the shadows of Lucarelli who scored a hat-trick for Livorno. Roma lost ground in the chase for the Serie A title. Pizarro has been one of the best in Roma this season, delivering many assists and scoring important goals as well.

Unfortunately, David Pizarro has recently stated that he will NOT play for La Roja in this year's World Cup. Since he hasn't played in the qualifying round, he sees that it would be wrong to come in and play in the tournament. David has been away from the national team for quite a while now and states in the interview that he sees the final in his active career. He will return to his hometown Valparaiso and play for the team in his heart, Santiago Wanderers when the contract with AS Roma is terminated in 2013, after more than 10 years in Italy.

14

Chile is now ranked by FIFA in their March 2010 ranking as Top-14 Nation in the world.

1. Spain
2. Brazil
3. The Netherlands
4. Italy
5. Germany
6. Portugal
7. France
8. England
9. Argentina
10. Greece
11. Croatia
12. Russia
13. Serbia
14. Chile
15. Mexico
16. Switzerland

35. Honduras

Brooks

The Chilean World Cup kit has been presented. The shirt have the classic red color and is sponsored by Brooks. It is an unknown company to me, and I know that many would like "la roja" to wear Nike or Adidas.

But more important, those of you who will get the privilege to wear the shirt, wear it with pride.