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World Cup | Group Stage
Jun 18, 2014 at 8pm UK
 
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0-2

 
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Vargas (20'), Aranguiz (43')

Live Commentary: Spain 0-2 Chile - as it happened

:Headline: Live Commentary: Spain 0-2 Chile - as it happened: ID:160631: from db_amp
Sports Mole brings you live commentary of the World Cup Group B in Rio de Janeiro as Chile beat Spain 2-0.

Spain faced Chile in Wednesday's World Cup Group B clash knowing that a loss would see them eliminated from the competition.

The South American side led 2-0 at the interval following goals from Eduardo Vargas and Charles Aranguiz.

Spain pressed in the second period, but could not find a goal as the holders were eliminated after just two matches.

Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.

Evening all! No rest for the wicked. Our World Cup coverage continues from Rio de Janeiro as the defending champions Spain face Chile in arguably the most important match of the competition thus far. Spain will be looking to recover from their 5-1 defeat to Netherlands last time out, but Chile, who have been tipped to cause a shock this summer, will not be in the mood for favours that is for certain. Right, let me bring you the all-important team news.
TEAMS:

SPAIN: Casillas; Azpilicueta, Martinez, Ramos, Alba; Busquets, Alonso, Iniesta; Pedro, Costa, Silva

CHILE: Bravo; Jara, Silva, Medel; Mena, Aranguiz, Diaz, Isla; Vidal; Vargas, Sanchez

So there we have it. Gerard Pique and Xavi both drop out of the Spain XI this evening following the Netherlands clash, with Javi Martinez and Pedro both starting. Diego Costa keeps his place in attack, while Andres Iniesta will seemingly operate in a more central position for La Roja. Chile, meanwhile, once more line up in a 3-5-2 formation, with Arturo Vidal providing support to Alexis Sanchez and Eduardo Vargas in attack. Cardiff City midfielder Gary Medel, meanwhile, will start at centre-back once more.
As mentioned, however, Chile have never beaten Spain in 10 previous matches, losing eight times in the process. Spain have also won their last two meetings with Chile at World Cups. The first of those arrived in 1950, when they were 2-0 winners at the Maracana Stadium. Most recently in 2010, Spain recorded a 2-1 win over the South American outfit.
Perhaps more remarkably, Spain's 5-1 defeat to Netherlands in their group opener was the first time that they had conceded five goals since losing 6-2 to Scotland in 1963. The defeat itself was not that much of a surprise, but the final scoreline was simply incredible. It remains to be seen how La Roja respond to that mighty blow this evening. A strong response is critical and changes to the XI have been made.

La Roja lost their opening match of the 2010 World Cup to Switzerland, but still went on to win the tournament. That was, however, the first time that a team had gone on to win the competition having lost their first game. Meanwhile, no European team has ever won the World Cup on South American soil.
The last time that Spain lost back-to-back internationals was back in 2006, when they lost 3-2 to Northern Ireland before suffering a 2-0 reverse against Sweden. In addition, their five goals conceded against Netherlands was more than they had conceded in their previous nine internationals combined (four).
Spain booked their spot in the finals this summer after topping Group I in their European qualification section. Vicente del Bosque's side picked up 20 points from their eight matches, remaining unbeaten in the process and boasting a goal difference of plus 11. They did drop points against Finland and France, but ultimately finished three points clear of second-placed France. Prior to winning the competition in 2010, however, Spain's previous best in the tournament had been fourth place in 1950.


Some unsettling scenes...


Despite Spain's recent success, La Roja have only won the World Cup once (2010), with their previous best arriving in 1950 (fourth). They reached the quarter-finals in 1986, 1994 and 2002, but were eliminated in the round of 16 in 2006. If they managed to recover from the Netherlands thumping to win the competition this summer, it would surely be seen as their greatest achievement.


Del Bosque, meanwhile, is chasing history of his own. Should Spain win the competition this summer, he would become the first coach in history to secure successive World Cups. The former Real Madrid boss also led La Roja to the Euro 2012 title in what has been a terrific six years in charge of his country.
Chile, meanwhile, opened their Group A campaign with a 3-1 win over Australia. It was far from a vintage performance from the South American side, but it was indeed a winning start. They have been tipped by many as outsiders for the competition this summer and we will find out a little more about their capabilities this evening that is for certain. Current scenes inside this famous stadium...


Chile have lost their last two previous World Cup games against the defending champions, however. Both of those games were against Brazil (in 1962 and 1998). As mentioned, Chile's overall record against Spain is also disappointing, but they will see this match as the chance to gain revenge.
Chile's hopes in this match might depend on Alexis Sanchez, who has been involved in seven of the last eight goals that his country have scored (six assists and one goal). Against Australia, meanwhile, Sanchez became the first Chilean to score a goal and provide an assist in a single World Cup game since 1962.
How did Chile quality for this summer? Despite suffering four defeats in a row in the middle of their South American qualifying campaign, Chile managed to finish third in the section. The turnaround in form coincided with the appointment of Jorge Sampaoli, who replaced Claudio Borghi and has since brought a slick style to Chile's football. They won nine of their 16 qualification matches, losing six times in the process, with that run of results seeing them finish just four points behind first-place Argentina.


As mentioned above, Sampaoli has been in charge of Chile since December 2012, when the Argentine replaced Borghi. The 54-year-old had previously been in charge of Universidad de Chile, who he led to three league titles. The experienced boss has been praised for bringing back a high-pressing style of football to the nation, who thrived under the similar leadership of Marco Bielsa.
Overall, Chile have qualified for eight of the 22 World Cups since the competition began. Their best finish arrived in 1962, when they finished third in their own nation. They failed to make it out of the group stages in both 1974 and 1982, but made the round of 16 in both 1998 and 2010.
PREDICTION: Following Netherlands' 3-2 win over Australia earlier, Spain simply cannot afford to lose this match. A victory for Chile would eliminate La Roja from the competition. In truth, I just cannot see it and am backing Spain to collect all three points. My score prediction is 3-1 Spain.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the national anthems. What a wonderful, wonderful stadium this is. It is a stadium fitting of the occasion. Can Chile eliminate Spain tonight?
Well, that was emotional. Just a reminder that Chile can eliminate Spain this evening with three points. The pre-match handshakes have been undertaken and the flags have been exchanged. It is just about time.
It must be said that there is an incredible atmosphere inside the stadium this evening. You can just sense the tension. It is Spain that get the first 45 minutes underway. It promises to be a fascinating night.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Chile in the early exchanges as Vargas finds some space in the Spain box before poking one towards goal, but Alba just manages to divert it behind. From the resulting corner, Jara heads one just wide of the post. Nervy start from Spain, but brilliant from Chile.
Plenty happening in the opening four minutes with both sides committing numbers in the final third. Spain threaten down the right with Azpilicueta, but Jara is across to make the challenge. Moments later, Vidal wins a free kick from Alonso. End-to-end football, we could have something really special on our hands here.
Spain again attempt to force the issue with Pedro, who combines with Silva, but a number of white shirts are on the scene to clear the danger. Chile break down the other end with Vidal, but the Juventus midfielder is crowded out in the middle of the park. No real solid possession for either side at the moment.
Sanchez continues to threaten in behind the Spain defence, but the service into the Barcelona forward has not been up to standard thus far. Spain have managed to play into Costa on a couple of occasions, but Chile have been strong in defensive areas. No real opportunities for either side in the opening eight minutes.
Half-chance for Spain as Ramos meets a deep free kick from Alonso, but Bravo just does enough to clear the danger. Silva attempts to slide a pass into Pedro moments later, but Bravo collects once more.
Not too much to report in the last couple of minutes, but Spain have started to take control of the possession. Chile have not been too concerned in defensive areas, however. You just get the feeling that the first goal - if there indeed is one - will be vital in this type of match. Can Spain afford to fall behind?
Opportunity for Spain to threaten from a free kick as Vidal fells Silva some 35 yards from goal. The resulting set piece is delivered by Alonso, but it is too long for Ramos. Poor from the Real Madrid midfielder.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Spain as Alonso finds some space inside the Chile box, but his effort is straight at Bravo. Moments before, Costa had just flashed an effort across the face of goal.
Not too much to report in terms of Chilean pressure in the last few minutes, with Spain in control of the possession. Sanchez remains a threat behind the Spanish defence, but the service has been limited thus far. Just a reminder that defeat for Spain this evening would see them eliminated from the competition.
GOAL! Spain 0-1 Chile (Vargas)
Oh my word! Chile take the lead after 20 minutes as Vargas turns in from close range following a low cross from Aranguiz. It was brilliant composure from the forward, who poked home just ahead of Casillas.
Not too much in the way of a response from Spain, who have been sloppy in possession in the last couple of minutes. Chile can really sense something here and a second goal could be a killer blow to La Roja.
Half-chance for Spain as Costa collects a high ball inside the Chile box before finding Alonso, but his effort is high and wide of the crossbar. That has been the story of the half for the holders thus far. As it stands, Chile and Netherlands would advance from Group B and Spain would indeed be going home. Wow.
More frustration for Spain as Pedro is bundled aside by Mena, with the ball running behind for a goal kick. Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last couple of minutes, but both sides are committing numbers in the final third. The challenges, meanwhile, continue to arrive in the middle of the park.
BOOKING! Vidal is in the book for Chile following a late challenge on Busquets.
CHANCE! Spain's best chance of the match comes to Costa as the powerful forward meets a knockdown from Silva inside the Chile box, but his effort is straight into the side netting.

Slightly untidy period of the match in terms of challenges, with the referee forced to intervene following a number of altercations in the middle of the park. However, just the one booking has been awarded thus far. Little over 10 minutes of the first period remaining and Chile continue to resist the Spanish threat.

Spain continue to pass and probe in the final third, but they are finding it difficult to break through this stern Chilean defence. Costa attempts to run away from Medel, but instead fells the Cardiff City midfielder.
Spain continue to deliver crosses into the Chile box, but it is comfortable for the South American side, who still lead courtesy of that Vargas finish with 20 minutes on the clock. The challenges continue to occur in the middle of the park, meanwhile, which is interrupting the flow in attacking areas.
The pressing from Chile has been incredible in the first period, with the likes of Alonso and Iniesta both caught in possession by the South American side. Vidal continues to move close to Sanchez, meanwhile, which is forcing Busquets into a deep position. Little over five minutes of the first period remaining.
BOOKING! Alonso enters the book for Spain following a late challenge on Isla.
Overall, it has been a very frustrating half for Spain. Surely changes will occur at the interval. Chile have a half-chance from a free kick, but Vidal's delivery is headed clear by Ramos. It remains 1-0 Chile.
Opportunity for Chile to threaten from a free kick as Alonso fells Sanchez just outside the box...
GOAL! Spain 0-2 Chile (Aranguiz)
Spain are 2-0 down here! Chile score their second as Aranguiz finds the back of the net after Casillas had made a meal of a Sanchez free kick. Poor goalkeeping, but brilliant finish. Just incredible.
HALF-TIME: Spain 0-2 Chile
Wow. What on earth is happening to Spain? If they lose this match then they are out of the competition. It has been a brilliant first half from Chile, however, with goals from Vargas and Aranguiz leaving the South American outfit with a 2-0 lead. As it stands, Chile are in the next round alongside Netherlands from Group B.
STATISTICS: Spain have just about shaded the possession with 54%, but they have hit the target with just one of their four attempts. Chile, meanwhile, have also had four attempts, but three of them have been on target. There have also been two yellow cards during a slightly ill-tempered first period, with Vidal in the book for Chile and Alonso for Spain.
BENCH WATCH: The good news for Spain is that they have a wealth of attacking talent on their bench. Santi Cazorla, Juan Mata, Cesc Fabregas and Koke will be among those hoping to get the call. Chile, meanwhile, also have options in the shape of Beausejour, Gutierrez, Pinilla and Valdivia.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second 45 minutes. As it stands, Spain are going home, with Chile and Netherlands advancing from Group B. Right, Chile get the second half underway.
SUB! Spain have made one change at the interval with Koke replacing Alonso, which is not much of a surprise. The Real Madrid midfielder was poor in the first period.
You just get the feeling that Spain need to score in the next 10 minutes if they are to turn this game around. Another Chile goal and it would be curtains. Chile have gone with the same XI from the first period, which is not a surprise. Pedro breaks free in the Chile box following a pass from Costa, but Jara is across to clear.
It must be said that there are a lot of glum faces among the Spanish supporters at the moment. Vargas once more threatens for Chile following a through pass from Sanchez, but Ramos is across to clear. Spain are down the other end moments later with Alba, but Isla comes across to make the challenge. End-to-end football.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Costa as Iniesta feeds the striker inside the Chile box, but Jara is across to make a fine challenge as the forward's effort is deflected behind. He just had to score.

Spain continue to look bright in the final third as Iniesta combines with Costa before sliding a pass into Pedro, but Jara is across to clear once more. La Roja have a free kick outside the Chile box moments later when Busquets hits the deck, but Ramos's effort is straight into the fists of Bravo, who punches clear.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Busquets as the Spain midfielder meets a cross from Silva at the far post, but his low effort is wide of the post. Incredible miss from the Barcelona star.
Little under 35 minutes of football remaining and still Chile lead 2-0. Just a reminder that Spain cannot afford to lose this match. If that occurs, Spain go home it is as simple as that. One change has already been made, but Del Bosque will be considering more alterations as the half continues to gather pace.
It looked for all the world that Chile would be forced into a change with Aranguiz on the ground, but he returns from a stretcher. It remains to be seen how long the midfielder lasts.
Spain continue to threaten from wide areas as Azpilicueta finds some space down the right before delivering a cross towards Silva, but the attacker cannot make contact and the danger is cleared once more.
BOOKING! Mena goes in the book for Chile following a late challenge on Pedro.
Costa's frustration continues as Jara comes across to challenge the Spain forward. Both sides are preparing to make changes with little more than 25 minutes of football remaining. Spain need at least two goals here.
SUBS! Spain make their second change as Torres replaces Costa. Chile also make a change as Aranguiz is replaced by Gutierrez.
Half-chance for Chile as Vargas finds some space outside the Spain box before striking towards goal, but his effort is straight into the arms of Casillas. Spain break down the other end with Torres, but the Chelsea forward cannot run away from Isla, who has been brilliant this evening.
The referee continues to become involved as Spain's frustration grows. You can almost see tensions boiling over in the next few minutes, which is the last thing that Spain need. Netherlands will not mind this result - it will see Louis van Gaal's side book their spot in the next round of the competition alongside Chile.
CHANCE! Incredible chance for Chile to score a third as Isla meets a low cross from Mena, but his effort is high and wide of the crossbar. That would have been curtains for Spain.
Another half-chance for Chile as Sanchez shows brilliant pace to burst into the Spain box before floating a cross towards Gutierrez, but his header is just wide of the post. Another Chile goal would end this contest. However, at 2-0, Spain always have a chance while there is time on the clock.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last couple of minutes, with Chile in control of the possession. Spain look short of ideas, which has not been the case in their previous triumphs. Another change will soon occur, with Cazorla getting stripped for La Roja. It could well be David Silva departing.
Vidal has a half-chance for Chile following another bright run from Sanchez, but the Juventus midfielder just cannot settle on the ball inside a crowded box. Cazorla will indeed enter for Spain in the next stoppage.
SUB! Spain make their third and final change as Cazorla replaces Pedro.
Again it is brilliant defending from Mena as the Chilean wing-back comes across to challenge Silva, who had found some space following a pass from Iniesta. It just will not happen for Spain and time is running out.
Another half-chance for Spain on the counter following a poor pass from Medel, but once more it comes to nothing despite the presence of Torres, Silva and Iniesta. Chile attempt to break down the other end with Vargas, but he cannot find Sanchez. Cazorla then hits one from distance, but Bravo makes the save.
CHANCE! Iniesta comes close to finding the back of the net following a curling effort from outside the box, but Bravo is across to make a fine save.
SUB! Chile make their second change as Vargas is replaced by Valdivia.
SUB! Third change for Chile as Vidal is replaced by Carmona.
Spain threaten from a free kick outside the box, but Cazorla's effort is tipped round the post. The resulting corner is delivered towards Ramos, but his effort is high and wide. Time is running out for La Roja.
The talk will be about Spain, but Chile have been brilliant this evening and will be a serious threat this summer there is no question about that. Spain need two late, late goals to survive in the competition.
Six additional minutes have been shown by the fourth official and we are into the second of those. However, in truth, Spain just do not look like scoring. Chile have been comfortable in defensive areas all night.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Spain as Ramos meets a low cross from Azpilicueta, but his effort is blocked by Jara. That would have set up a grandstand finish. Alba has an attempt moments later, but his effort is high and wide of the crossbar and that could be that for Spain's challenge this summer.
Spain have possession inside the Chilean half, but not too much is happening. Another long ball comes towards Torres, but he cannot find Silva and the danger is cleared once more.
FULL-TIME: Spain 0-2 Chile
Incredible, just incredible. Spain eliminate the 2014 World Cup after just two matches. Their challenge is over, for four years at least. Chile and Netherlands have both advanced from Group B this evening.
That is just about it from me this evening. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and be sure to remain with us for all the reaction. Until next time!

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