The World Cup is just four months away. With each passing week, we'll preview two of the 32 competitors leading up to the biggest tournament on the planet. The order is not pre-determined or predictable; we want to keep this exciting.
Group B features a number of prominent teams including Spain, Chile and the Netherlands. Of the three teams, Chile likely has the most to prove and could have a major advantage. Here is a look at the Chilean national team and its chances in the big tournament.
History
Chile's history in the tournament is not particularly notable. The team hosted the tournament in 1962 and finished third, its best finish to date. Since then it has been a lengthy streak of intermittent appearances. Under the current format Chile has never gotten farther than the round of 16. In 2010 the team was ousted by Brazil in the first knockout round.
It is essential to note that this is just the second time in its history that Chile has participated in two consecutive World Cups; the team managed to play in back-to-back tournaments in 1962 and 1966. This is just the fourth time since 1982 that Chile has competed in the World Cup.
Big Stars
Chile has a number of solid players but the team will rely heavily on two players to lead the way: Alexis Sanchez and Arturo Vidal. Sanchez has had a solid year for Barcelona while Vidal has been arguably the best player for Juventus (and quite possibly the best in the entire Italian League). Sanchez has 22 goals in 64 appearances for Chile while Vidal has eight goals in 52 matches.
Chances in the Tournament
Chile has a hard group to navigate. Spain is the defending World Cup Champion while the Dutch are the runner-ups to the tournament four years ago. Chile has looked good of late, especially after destroying England in a friendly and tying Spain 2-2. However, the World Cup is a different matter all together and Chile will have to put together a solid group round to have any chance at making a run.
Fortunately the team gets group minnow Australia first, giving it a huge advantage over the other two contenders. A big win over Australia could do wonders for Chile's confidence and long-term progress in the tournament.
Will They Win the tournament?
Even if the team gets through the first round, it is hard to imagine Chile getting past a team like Italy or, in the case of a second-place group finish, Brazil.
Another round of 16 berth is possible, but do not expect Chile to make a deep run in this tournament.
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