Spain vs Chile - Weds 18 June, 02:00 am, - Match Thread

[Jonathan Fairfield]

Spain vs Chile

Weds 18 June, 02:00 am Bangkok time GMT+7 - Match Thread

Venue: Estadio do Maracana, Rio de Janeiro

Group Stage: Group B

Take part in the pre-match build up, match discussion, goals and more with Thaivisa

[Jonathan Fairfield]

Despite not beating Spain the last 10 previous meetings, Chile will go into this game confident they can cause an upset following Spain's 5-1 pummeling at the hands of Holland - the biggest ever loss by a defending champion at the World Cup.

Defeat to Chile, would mean an early exit for Spain, which is unthinkable, given Spain's reign in international football over the past 5 or so years.

Other than making sure they bounce back from their opening day defeat, Spain's biggest concern is whether manager Del Bosque should drop normally reliable goal keeper Iker Casillas following his horror show of a performance against Holland. Pepe Reina is favourite to replace Casillas should Del Bosque decide to make the change.

Stay up or set your alarm for this one, it should be well worth watching

[jellydog]

Rumors are that Spain will try to play more attacking football. Makes sense, but they will be doing so against a side that are relentless counter attackers. Will Spain leave themselves vulnerable at the back as a result ? Pique, Ramos and Busquets best be more ready than they were against Robben and Van Persie.

[Travel2003]

After watching the Aussies, i believe Chile is better than many expected.

Imagine if Spain lose this match.

[mrbojangles]

Well, well,. well.

Chile 1 - 0 Spain

and deservedly so at this stage

[Travel2003]

Im guessing Vidal will get a 2nd yellow, or Ramos get himself a red, as usual.

[mrbojangles]

Chile are wanting and fighting for every single ball and to be honest, in a 50-50 decision the ref ain't giving them as much as he is Spain.

[StevieH]

Chile are wanting and fighting for every single ball and to be honest, in a 50-50 decision the ref ain't giving them as much as he is Spain.

Chile are a joy to watch. Fantastically fun team. And Sanchez is a superstar, hell of a player.

[mrbojangles]

Well, well, well, well and well again

What a turn up

Chile 2 - 0 Spain

[mrbojangles]

Chile are wanting and fighting for every single ball and to be honest, in a 50-50 decision the ref ain't giving them as much as he is Spain.

Chile are a joy to watch. Fantastically fun team. And Sanchez is a superstar, hell of a player.

They are aren't they mate. I'm enjoying this one tremendously and not because I have anything against Spain. I normally love watching the Spaniards but this is entertaining stuff.

[Travel2003]

Correct me if Im wrong here, but Spain is already eliminated if they lose this match, correct?

[jellydog]

Yowzah !!

[jellydog]

Correct me if Im wrong here, but Spain is already eliminated if they lose this match, correct?

Yes.

[mrbojangles]

Can someone please explain what Mourinho sees in Costa

[jellydog]

Can someone please explain what Mourinho sees in Costa

I don't think Costa is fit, much less in form MrB. But I hope I am wrong.

[mrbojangles]

Can someone please explain what Mourinho sees in Costa

I don't think Costa is fit, much less in form MrB. But I hope I am wrong.

I hope youré wrong too jelly. Can't wait to see his miserable face on a wet and windy Monday night in Hull. He won't know what he's let himself in for, from Brazil to Burnley in just over a month

[Travel2003]

And there is, and Adios to the World Champions.

[salty]

Spain too slow cumbersome very vulnerable against a side that scrapped for everything and gave them no room. With hindsight Del Bosque too faithful to several of the old guard. I felt they had gone back a lot pre tournament but would have expected them to get out of the group.

[Jonathan Fairfield]

Spain too slow cumbersome very vulnerable against a side that scrapped for everything and gave them no room. With hindsight Del Bosque too faithful to several of the old guard. I felt they had gone back a lot pre tournament but would have expected them to get out of the group.

Very true, good points.

Still, it's quite a shock for the champions to knocked out at the group stage.

Give credit to Chile though, they played well and their confidence will be sky high following this results. They could be difficult opponents for whoever they meet in the last 16.

[Jonathan Fairfield]

And as you might expect, this result and Spain's demise as the kings of international football are dominating the news today

[boomerangutang]

would be fun to be in Santiago tonight.

[jellydog]

Spain too slow cumbersome very vulnerable against a side that scrapped for everything and gave them no room. With hindsight Del Bosque too faithful to several of the old guard. I felt they had gone back a lot pre tournament but would have expected them to get out of the group.

Spot on I think. Del Bosque with too much trust in the old guard and you have to wonder about some of his player selection, Torres in particular. Tactically not much of a plan B. He has two more years on his contract I believe, but you would think the Spain powers that be might be having other ideas now.

[Africanteacher]

Unbelievable Jeff!

[boomerangutang]

A bit late, but it's a modicum of revenge for Spain's conquistador, Pizzaro, rampaging through the Inca Empire. Maybe this time, Chile will get some of its gold back, in the form of a W.C. trophy.

[Travel2003]

So Chile will probably meet Brazil next?

[jellydog]

Does anybody know who that English commentator was for the Spain vs. Chile match ? He of the endless "profundities" ? He was so bad it was laughable. He should be reading poetry somewhere on amateur nights.