Hard times have fallen on Chile. Heading into last fall's batch of qualifiers, the team was perched atop the CONMEBL standings. However, a stroke of poor play combined with a tough schedule has taken them out of that spot altogether.
They team suffered a tough loss to Colombia at home, but followed with an equally poor 3-1 defeat against Ecuador. In their final match against Argentina in the fall, Chile fell 2-1 and only managed to score in the 91st minute of the game.
The Peruvians only have eight points and are four points out of a World Cup berth. Peru picked up five of its points in its last four qualifiers including a win over Venezuela and draws against Argentina and Bolivia. The 1-1 draw with Argentina is particularly striking and proved this team's worth.
Chile Roster for World Cup Qualifiers
Claudio Bravo (Real Sociedad), Miguel Pinto (Atlas), Mauricio Isla (Juventus), Gary Medel (Sevilla), Marcos González (Flamengo), Gonzalo Jara (Nottingham Forest), Marcelo Díaz (FC Basel), Francisco Silva (Osasuna), Carlos Carmona (Atalanta), Rodrigo Millar (Atlas), Jorge Valdivia (Palmeiras), Matías Fernández (Fiorentina), Eduardo Vargas (Gremio), Fabián Orellana (Celta), Alexis Sánchez (Barcelona), Humberto Suazo (Monterrey), Sebastián Pinto (Bursaspor), Jean Beausejour (Wigan)
Predictions: Most would count Peru out of this contest, but Chile has not proven to be a superior squad over the last few qualifiers. Regardless, I pick the Chileans to win 3-1.
Start Time: 10:10 PM EST
TV Info: beIN Sport USA
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