After a thrilling meeting between Australia and Holland, the stakes are raised for the second match in Group B. Spain and Chile face off, in what might be the most thrilling match of the tournament yet. Spain and Chile are two attacking sides, and both will throw caution to the wind to achieve the results they need today.
What’s At Stake
Spain didn’t expect to see a win-or-go-home match until the second round, but that’s what they face now. Chile have three points, Spain have zero, and Holland have six. If the Spaniards draw or lose today, their World Cup is probably over, four years after they won the final in South Africa, and Group A will send Chile and Holland to the second round.
Of course, that means Chile need just a draw to progress. Their goal difference is +2 and Spain’s is -4, so maintaining a three point lead going into the final round of matches next week would – barring a Spanish miracle – see them through.
Following Spain’s 5-1 defeat to Holland, both Xavi and Pique (whose defending was unusually shaky last week) will be left out. That means Javi Martinez will play alongside Sergio Ramos in the center of the Spanish defense, while captain Iker Casillas is retained in the Spanish goal despite his disastrous first-match showing. Spain always play the same way: 4-3-3. Today I believe Diego Costa will play in the center, with Pedro (right) and Iniesta (left) flanking him. In that case, David Silva takes the Xavi role at the top of the midfield three, though Iniesta and Silva could switch places. It’ll be the same high line and possession-based play from Spain, who have seen too much success the last six years to change systems because of one black swan defeat.
Chile’s movement in a modified 4-3-3 won’t be as devastating it was against Australia, because Spain will have much more possession. However, Spain do have the same susceptibility to speed behind a high defensive line as Australia. We saw that against Holland. Chile have the players to punish that – especially Barcelona winger Alexis Sanchez (pictured above), with whom the Spanish defense will be familiar. Jorge Valdivia is out, so he won’t be dropping deep to collect balls and offer Sanchez and left-winger Vargas space, but Arturo Vidal will be brilliant in that role. Watch his attempts to draw Javi Martinez and Sergio Ramos out of place.
This is a match between two teams with similar approaches. Neither knows any way to play other than attacking. Chile need a win to absolutely guarantee qualification (though a draw will probably do), and Spain realistically need a win to stay alive. Buckle up.
Ian Darke and Steve McManaman! Yesssss! This is my favorite commentary partnership. If you missed this video I posted last week, watch it now.
Match-specific Drinking Games
Condensed: Have a drink whenever all twenty outfield players are within a strip thirty meters wide (use your judgment) in midfield. How drunk? Drunk. You’ll be dizzy anyway from the speed of passing.
Pedigree: Take a shot whenever Darke or McManaman mentions McManaman’s time at Real Madrid. How drunk? Good baseline buzz.
Spurned: Take a sip whenever the crowd boos in response to a Diego Costa touch. How drunk? Hospitalized. There’s a lot of anger there.
Spain: Sangria, though the Spanish are probably drinking something heavier to go along with their fingernails.
Chile: Pisco. If you’re American, you’ll probably just pick tequila and pretend. Whatever works.
For more:
– Read my general World Cup watching guide.
– Check out Zonal Marking, my favorite tactics website.
– See a commentary schedule or a review of each commentator.
– See where I’m getting my national drink recommendations.
– Check out other match previews from this group: Australia vs. Holland, Chile vs. Australia, Spain vs. Holland
Picture credit: dailystar.co.uk
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