Chile - New Zealand 2-0

Chile played their final friendly match, only three days before the start of the World Cup. Today's opponent was New Zealand in a match that was of unusual character. It was played over 3*30 minutes. Chile got the chance to use many players and some of them got the chance to try different positions. All but six players played today. Those who were out were: Suazo, Valdivia, Pinto, Millar, Gonzalez and Ponce.

I was unable to watch the game, so I have to rely on different reports. Prensafutbol.com write that Sanchéz, Vidal and Orellana were the best players. However those that scored in the 2-0 win were Fierro, after a pass from Fernandez (68') and Paredes, after a center from Vidal (72'). Paredes proved that he can be a substitute for Suazo as a target player.

Chile has now played against relatively weak opponents, except for Mexico, and has won easily. That could be seen as preparation against Switzerland and Honduras, as I see as weak teams. Practicing against a team like Spain will not give much but a low self confidence as a lost is nearly inevitable. 6 points against Honduras and Switzerland is probably enough to take Chile past the group stage, so 1st placers of Group G - here we come.

June 16th: Chile - Honduras 7 days left, my prediction: 4-1

Watch the goals below.

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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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.