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

Chilean Player Presentation: Goalkeepers

1. Claudio Bravo ***+

Date of Birth: 13 April, 1983 Height: 184 cm Weight: 84 kg Foot: Right Caps: 43 Goals: 0 Club: Real Sociedad (Spain)

Claudio Bravo is the first choice goalkeeper of Chile, and has been for a while now. He is only 27 years old and has lots of experience. Bravo is the captain of the National team since Marcelo Salas retired from the team. During this last season, Bravo's Real Sociedad played in the Spanish second division where they played good enough to secure regulation to the first division. Bravo strength is his reflexes and has become somewhat of a penalty expert. He has also an unusual ability for goalkeepers, as he takes his team's freekicks. Notable was his goal, which can be seen here. Bravo's weakness lies in his height, he is a bit short to reach the tops of tall European or African players. He has also been injured for a month at the end of his club's season. Bravo is the only Chilean player that played all 1620 minutes in the South American qualification round.

12. Miguel Pinto ***

Date of Birth: 4 July, 1983 Height: 183 cm Weight: 81 kg Foot: Right Caps: 14 Goals: 0 Club: Universidad de Chile

Miguel Pinto is a good reserve to Bravo. Pinto is the regular keeper of Universidad de Chile, having played for 30 games last season. U. de Chile is besides in the semi-finals of Copa Libertadores this season. Pinto played for Chile in the International friendly against Northern Ireland (1-0) without being put to a test. He has been awarded several prizes for his goalkeeping during his outstanding season in 2009.

23. Luis Marin *+

Date of Birth: 18 May, 1983 Height: 188 cm Weight: 87 kg Foot: Right Caps: 3 Goals: 0 Club: Unión Española

Luis Marin participation came as a big surprise as there were other more experienced goalkeepers who were thought to take Chile's third spot for goalkeepers. Marin played in the loss against Mexico in the preparatory International friendly game. Marin is the tallest of the three goalkeepers, however the one with least experience of big matches. The World Cup is going to be a watch-and-learn experience for Marin.

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.

Chile Final Squad

Marcelo Bielsa has chosen the 23 players who will represent Chile in the World Cup. Humberto Suazo is currently injured, but will make the team. One who is sent home is Roberto Cereceda, 25 year old defender from Colo Colo.

I had three players wrong from my early prediction from May 15th. I believed that Iturra, Morales and Valdés would make the team instead of Fierro, Estrada and Paredes. It's a good team anyhow.

There will be an analyze of every player coming soon.

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

Defenders:
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:
Carlos Carmona (Reggina)
Marco Estrada (Universidad de Chile/Montpellier)
Matias Fernandez (Sporting Lisbon)
Gonzalo Fierro (Flamengo)
Rodrigo Millar (Colo Colo)
Rodrigo Tello (Besiktas)
Jorge Valdivia (Al-Ain)

Forwards:
Jean Beausejour (America)
Mark Gonzalez (CSKA Moscow)
Fabian Orellana (Xerez)
Esteban Paredes (Colo Colo)
Alexis Sanchez (Udinese)
Humberto Suazo (Real Zaragoza/Monterrey)

Suazo Injured

Humberto "Chupete" Suazo, one of Chile's best players is injured and might miss the World Cup. Suazo injured his hamstring while playing in the match against Israel. He was taken to hospital and it was merely confirmed that he might miss the opening game against Honduras, but will hopefully be back to face Switzerland or Spain. Bielsa is also taking out his final squad, and with Suazo injured there might desperate actions. Will he gamble and include Suazo in the 23-player squad? If not, who can take his place?

"Chupete" recently came back from an injury, that time it was his shoulder that was bothering him. However, that did not stop him from scoring against Israel despite being absent from the football field for a month. All we wish now is Suazo to get better.

Silly Season: Mauricio Pinilla

Mauricio Pinilla is not one of the players of La Roja at the moment, although this transfer is large enough to get an attention on this blog. Pinilla is a Chilean player who has been a good attacker but has had problem with his temper. He has been playing in Europe since 2003 when he came to Italian club Inter, but only to be loaned to Chievo where he played six games without scoring. Last club he played for was Serie B club Grosseto where he scored 24 goals in 24 games, many of them shown on this blog. All those goals made an echo throughout Europe, but he decided to stay in Italy and play for Palermo who bought him today in front of Fiorentina, who were also interested in the 26 year old Chilean.
The transfer sum is around €6 million with a few other options. Palermo had a great season and came in 5th place, earning a spot on next years Europa League. Pinilla's main competition in Palermo will be struggling for the attacking spots with Edison Cavani and Fabrizio Miccoli, they scored 32 goals together last season.

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.