The 2010 World Cup winners aren’t in a comfortable position right now, and Sampaoli’s anarchists must be rubbing their hands in glee at the thought of knocking Spain out of the World Cup. Today’s matches in Group B could very well decide the fate of these two countries in this World Cup.
Spain were mauled by the Netherlands in their opening game. After they had taken a 1-0 lead, David Silva’s miss proved to be costly as the Netherlands equalized soon enough via a wonder goal by van Persie. Spain were shambolic in the second half, with Netherlands scoring four more goals. Luckily for Spain, they scored ‘only’ four more goals.
Chile started off with a bang against Australia, taking a 2-0 lead within 15 minutes of the start, with Sanchez and Valdivia getting on the score-sheet. However, their profligacy in front of goal prevailed and they couldn’t add another to their tally, in spite of their attacking play. The game ended 3-1, but another prominent feature of the game was Australia crossing the ball in to Tim Cahill, who is still one of the best headers of the ball.
If Spain set out to play the same way they did against Netherlands, they will surely be over-run in the center of the park by Chile’s high tempo style. Sampaoli’s men would be glad to make use of the Spaniards’ lack of pace in defense. Sanchez and Vargas could hurt Spain if allowed to run in behind the defense. La Furia Roja need legs in midfield today. Koke needs to start today, and so does Javi Martinez. However, I believe Martinez would be better utilized if deployed as center-back alongside Sergio Ramos. Del Bosque is not known as a manager who likes to try out new players. He prefers sticking to tried and tested combinations. Today, he needs to show that he is willing to do something different, if Spain want to further their title defense.
Meanwhile, Chile have the perfect setup to kill Spain today. Their endless stamina and aggressive pressing are going to cause a serious headache for Spain, who looked to be sluggish at most times in their opening game. Unless Spain decide to step up the tempo, Vidal and co are going to run riot today. Against the Socceroos, we saw a glimpse of what their wingbacks can do when given space. Diaz is also going to have an important role to play, as Chile will look to him for the aura of control he exudes. If Chile can pull off a win today, they will surely leave their ‘underdog’ tag behind.
The last time these two sides met, the 2-2 score line belied the fact the Chile harassed Spain all over the pitch. Only later in the game, when Chile’s energy levels dropped, did the Spaniards look like they were in control of the game. Today, Spain will have to see through the initial Chilean onslaught. If Chile are allowed to score first, Spain are going to have a tough time getting back into the game. The battles on the wing will be equally important here, with both sets of wide defenders looking to impose their authority on their respective flanks.
Costa hasn’t slotted seamlessly into Spain’s side as of yet, and Del Bosque will have to make a call here. Does he start with Costa or Villa, or do Spain revert to playing with Fabregas as the false-nine? Do we see Martinez in defence, or as a holding midfielder? Will Spain continue to trust San Iker, or is it time for David De Gea to step up? Azpilicueta was rather disappointing in the last game, and I believe Juanfran should get a nod today. The same goes for Pedro in place of Silva. Below is the Spanish line-up that I would like to see, but it is very unlikely that Del Bosque would agree with me.
Here’s to an exciting game of football between the World Champions, La Furia Roja and the South American scourge of all teams that will come in their way, Sampaoli’s La Roja.
