If Australia’s World Cup warmup against Ecuador in London in March is anything to go by, their opening Group B clash with Chile at the Pantanal Arena today could be a thriller.
Australia, who took a shock three-goal lead against the Ecuadoreans before being overrun in the second half and losing 4-3, like to hit opponents with fast breaks and if they are to do anything of note in Brazil, they must beat Chile.
Chile like to play in their opponents’ half with a fast and furious pressing game based on as much possession as possible.
The South Americans, third in their region’s qualifying group, are favorites against an Australia team in transition, with next year’s Asian Cup a far more realistic goal.
Chile have a more talented squad than Australia, with Barcelona forward Alexis Sanchez and Juventus midfielder Arturo Vidal major players at top European clubs.
The Chilean squad has the lowest average height in the tournament and will need to counter the Australians’ strengths in the air, particularly from veteran midfielder Tim Cahill.
Cahill became Australia’s all-time top scorer with two headed goals against Ecuador and now has 32 in 68 internationals, having also scored against South Africa in their last warmup match.
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