Game 19 Preview: Spain vs. Chile

SPAIN vs. CHILE

 Date: June 18, 2014

Time: 3:00 p.m. EDT

Venue: Maracana - Estadio Jornalista Mario Filho, Rio de Janeiro

Overall Head-to-Head Record (W-L-T): 8-0-2 Spain

Last Match: 2013 Friendly. Spain tied Chile 2-2.

Line: Spain -185

Group B Preview here.

Starting Lineups posted separately once they're announced.

Team Profiles 

World Ranking: Spain (1st), Chile (14th)

Managers: Vicente del Bosque (ESP), Jorge Sampaoli (CHI)

Captains: Iker Casillas (ESP), Claudio Bravo (CHI)

World Cup Appearances: 14 (ESP), 9 (CHI)

Best Finish: Spain (Champions, 2010), Chile (Third Place, 1962)

Qualifying Records: Spain (6-0-2, GF: 14, GA: 3), Chile (9-6-1, GF: 29, GA: 25)

Previous Game Results

Spain

June 13th - Netherlands def. Spain 5-1

Chile

June 13th - Chile def. Australia 3-1

Rosters

Injuries/Discipline

Spain: Iker Casilas (Yellow Card), David de Gea (Questionable - Hip)

Chile: Charles Aranguiz (Yellow Card)

Overview

Other then Brazil as the host nation, no squad has a larger microscope on them right now then the defending champions Spain. No one saw coming their 5-1 loss to the Netherlands in their opener and things don't get easier for the Spaniards. They face another team in Chile that can pile in goals at times, albeit one that have never beaten the Spanish in 10 tries.

History suggests this will be another high-scoring contest. These teams have played 4 times in the past 6 years and are averaging 3.75 combined goals per game in that span.

Spain have a number of personnel decisions to make going in to this contest and while they've been tight-lipped the potential changes are obvious. Both Diego Costa and David Silva struggled up front for Spain against the Dutch. And their central defending and goalkeeping was a nightmare. Sergio Ramos' place is likely secure but it would not be surprising to see Gerard Pique out of the lineup. Iker Casillas' job seems most vulnerable but David de Gea injured himself in training so Spain would be looking at Pepe Reina as the only potential replacement.

Chile have no such personnel problems and are expected to roll almost if not the exact same lineup as they did against Australia. Biggest concern for Chile will be their lack of size in their back 3 which may be exposed on set pieces for Spain as they bring their big defenders forward.

A tough game to project what will happen without knowing Spain's mindset. If they return to form then this should be a good offensive battle between two teams that love to go for goal. The Spain of 5 days ago though will likely see themselves eliminated today if they show up.

Personnel

In the Spanish Third: The catalyst for Chile is man the Spanish will know well as half of their starting lineup play with him every day in practice. No team is better equipped to shut down Alexis Sanchez who terrorized Australia. But shutting down Sanchez is far from the only thing necessary for Spain. Chile flood forward and have several players with goal-scoring potential. Too much to handle for the surprisingly slow Spanish back line. Advantage: Chile.

In the Midfield: Spain had some uncharacteristic turnovers in their first game that burned them on quick counters and Chile will look to do the same. Spain have the personnel to control possession and the midfield IF they show up. I'm doing this preview on the assumption Spain won't lay an egg two games in a row. Advantage: Spain

In the Chilean Third: There was absolutely nothing going for Spain with Diego Costa as a lone striker. Odds are they go to the false nine that has been so successful for them before. Chile are susceptible to defensive lapses and have a small back line. Spain will have chances to pass their way through them but need their finishing to be on point. Advantage: Spain.

Goalkeeping: Spain may know internally who they're playing in goal but there's a lack of certainty everywhere else. The options are an out-of-form Casillas, an injured de Gea or perennial third choice Pepe Reina. Not to take away from Reina as a goalkeeper but when that appears to be your best option, it's a goalkeeping problem. I'll take the consistency of Bravo over that any day. Advantage: Chile

Spain will win if:

They can figure out what in the world has happened to their defence and fix it ahead of an even more potent offence then the one they just faced. I'm less concerned about Spain's attack, they have a bunch of playmakers and will probably have Fabregas up front who has been far better for his country then what Costa showed in that role. Some of the play from Pique and Ramos though was absolutely shocking. Chile's going to look to exploit whoever is in the centre at every opportunity and Spain need to be able close things down effectively or it's another blowout.

Chile will win if:

Chile's going to play an attacking style no matter what so I can't tell them to push their players further back in setup. Where ever they decide to set up, the Chilean midfield line have to close down the passing lanes to the players up top and prevent Spain from getting fast breaks at goal. For all the problems Spain have defensively, it's always an adventure for Chile simply because of the style they play. Spain have scored at least 2 goals in 9 of 10 lifetime matches against chile. Have to prevent them from getting free runs at their goal because it will burn them.

Prediction

Absolutely no idea. I think the Spanish defence have some irreparable issues (speed primarily) that Chile will take advantage of. I also think this is a team likely to be playing angry against one with defensive issues of their own. I'm tempted to give 2 predictions but will average the two out. Sorry Spanish fans, you're going to be on the brink after this one I feel.

Chile 2-2 Spain