please log in to view this image Spain v Chile please log in to view this image Head-to-head Chile have never beaten Spain in 10 previous encounters (D2 L8). Spain have won their last two meetings with Chile at World Cups. They won 2-0 in 1950 at the Maracana Stadium, where this match is taking place, and then 2-1 in 2010. Spain The last time Spain lost back-to-back internationals was in 2006 (3-2 v Northern Ireland and 2-0 v Sweden). Their 5-1 defeat to the Netherlands was the first time they had conceded five goals in an international since losing 6-2 to Scotland in June 1963. They had only once before conceded five or more goals in a World Cup game (6-1 v Brazil in 1950). The Spaniards conceded more goals in 90 minutes against Netherlands than they had in their previous nine internationals combined (four). Spain's 5-1 loss to the Netherlands was the heaviest margin of defeat by a reigning World Cup champion in the history of the tournament. The previous heaviest defeats were Brazil losing 3-0 to France in 1998 and West Germany losing 6-3 to France in 1958. Chile Chile have lost their two previous World Cup games against the defending champion, both against Brazil (in 1962 and 1998). Alexis Sanchez has been involved in seven of the last eight goals that Chile have scored (six assists and one goal). Against Australia, Sanchez became the first Chilean to score a goal and provide an assist in a single World Cup game since 1962. Chile scored three goals in a World Cup game for the first time since 1962.
Bugger, am going to miss this as I'm being all cultured and off to see Let The Right One In at the Apollo. Hmmm....phone on silent?!
Spain: Casillas; Azpilicueta, Ramos, Martinez, Alba; Alonso, Busquets; Pedro, Silva, Iniesta; Costa Chile: Bravo, Mena, Isla, Silva, Sanchez, Vidal, Vargas, Medel, Jara, Aranguiz, Dias
@LesRosbifs: In fairness, security would never suspect anyone storming thru the media centre. Except for Martin Samuel charging for the free buffet.
Chile surely are going to be cautious as they know a draw will almost certainly guarantee them a place in the second round.
