Chile manager Marcelo Bielsa has
claimed that his team will adopt a typically attacking formation for
this final Group H match in Pretoria, although it remains to be seen
whether their customary 3-3-1-3 line-up will be in operation. Star
striker Humberto Suazo was withdrawn at half-time against Switzerland
and he might be on the bench as the south Americans look to try and
get a draw.
Spain were once again guilty of missing
many chances against Honduras, although David Villa managed to get on
the scoresheet twice and he’s been cleared of any wrongdoing by
FIFA after that petulant slap at a Honduran defender. Fernando Torres
should continue in attack, while Jesus Navas is likely to be
preferred to David Silva.
Carmona and Fernandez will be suspended
for the Chileans and we are likely to see plenty more yellow cards
issued to the team during this match as they try to break up Spain’s
attractive passing style. Unfortunately, it means that the Euro 2008
winners could be halted in their tracks and a low-scoring encounter
looks likely.
PREDICTION:
UNDER 2.5 GOALS @ 1.87 with bet365
Power Rating
Squad (3/5)
Young enough to want to win and tough enough and good enough to maintain the momentum from qualification.
Squad (4.5/5)
A wonderfully balanced team, perhaps lacking something in the full-back positions but otherwise as good as any in South Africa.
Coach (3/5)
Marcelo Bielsa’s attention to detail is such that he has been known to measure the pitch himself. He deserves some kind of recompense for all the pain of 2002.
Coach (4/5)
There was some doubt that Del Bosque could recapture the magic he wove at Real Madrid. Ten straight victories gave you the answer.
Attack (3/5)
The number of goals scored in qualification is testament to what the forward line led by Fernandez, Sanchez and Suazo are capable of.
Attack (5/5)
There is probably no better attack in world football than Torres and Villa supported by Iniesta, Xavi, Fabregas and Xabi Alonso.
Defence (3/5)
They are unlikely ever to plumb the depth of the Battle of Santiago but they can be an uncompromising bunch.
Defence (4/5)
It is not as feted as the forwards – defences never are - but not to concede a home goal in qualification is an awesome achievement.