Game Three of this action-packed Friday is the second match in group B, featuring Australia and Chile. Chile are a thrilling team and Australia have a lot of exciting youngsters, but the two big fish in this group played earlier.
What’s At Stake
Even the staunchest supporter of either Australia or Chile will admit that advancing from the group stage is a long shot for these two. The other two Group B teams, Spain and the Netherlands, are traditional European powerhouses who met in the final of this tournament four years ago. That said, Holland’s performance earlier today opened a door. If either of these two clubs hope to advance, they’ve got to take three points today, with an eye toward drawing with one of the big dogs and going through on goal difference.
Tactics
It seems likely Australia will be playing a spoiler role, to some degree. Chile play fast and furious. They’ll line up with three centerbacks and two wing backs, but don’t expect the wingbacks to get back much. That may leave space behind for Australia’s wingers and fullbacks, so keep an eye on Tim Cahill’s distribution and you’ll have a finger on the pulse of Australia’s hopes.
Oh, boy. Watch out for Kasey Keller. He seems a nice guy, and was undeniably an excellent goalkeeper in club play and for the US men’s national team. But he is often accused of entering the booth unprepared, and the banality of most of his comments suggests that there is, perhaps, some truth to the idea that he doesn’t have the specifics down about all the matches he covers. Daniel Mann, his partner, is a rising star for ESPN and is generally solid, if unspectacular. The commentary team for this match makes it clear ESPN expects its viewers to take a dinner break around game time.
Match-specific Drinking Games
If you’ve been playing my drinking games all day, you’ll need a breather. Luckily, Australia’s drink is beer, and the first rule is a gift.
Aussie Goal: Shotgun a beer if the Australians sneak in a goal.
Retreat!: Take a sip every time all eleven Australian players find themselves in their own half.
Kasey…: Have a drink every time Kasey Keller makes an easy joke about Australia or Chile/Chili’s/Chilly.
Chile: Pisco. It’s a grape brandy, and attacks as relentlessly as the Chilean squad.
Australia: Beer. This site, which is providing our drink list, suggests that fully forty-one percent of alcohol sales in Australia are hop- or malt-based beverages.
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: Spain vs. Holland
Picture credit: brecorder.com
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