What Bettors Need to Know: Spain vs. Chile
Odds: Spain (-212), Chile (+735); Spread Spain -1 (-124); Over/under (2.5)
Spain and Chile battle it out in Group H with advancement into the knockout stage on the line.
What’s at stake
Chile sit atop the group with six points while Spain are in second place with three points and ahead of Switzerland on goal differential. The Swiss are favored to beat Honduras in the other Group H match, meaning that neither Chile nor Spain are assured of a spot into the next round if they lose Friday.
First place in the group also avoids drawing Brazil in the Round of 16.
"For us it's clear what we have to do — we have to beat Chile," Spain midfielder Andres Iniesta told the Associated Press. "We've got a clear idea about what we need to do and we're confident of reaching the next round. Nothing else is important."
Style of play and match strategy
Chile have been arguably the most entertaining team to watch so far this tournament. Their 3-3-1-3 formation has created an abundance of scoring chances but La Roja have netted just two goals in two games.
Spain love to dominate possession and their left and right back defenders are eager to jump in on the attack. The Red Fury are comfortable playing different alignments but should roll out in a traditional 4-4-2 against Chile.
All the prognostications suggest this should be a high-scoring affair because both teams prefer to possess and attack rather than play defensively and rely on counterattacks for goals.
“They are going to come out attacking and we're going to apply our own way of playing," Chile winger Mark Gonzalez told reporters. "All of our attention is on reaching the next round and finishing first (in the group)."
Players to watch
Fernando Torres, Spain
The Liverpool striker is struggling to find his form with Spain. He missed a large part of the EPL season after undergoing knee surgery in January and didn’t start in Spain’s first match. He played the first 70 minutes against Honduras but was largely ineffective.
He missed three golden opportunities to get on the scoreboard in that last match but his manager is convinced Torres’ finishing touch will return.
"You've got to believe that he will find his accuracy," Vincente del Bosque said.
Some observers suggest Spain’s best formation is with David Villa as the single striker and throwing in another attacking winger like David Silva or Jesus Navas. That was the alignment Spain started with against Switzerland and the Red Fury failed to find the back of the net.
“Villa and I have said we understand each other perfectly and hopefully we can play together again, although we've always said that if we don't then it doesn't matter as long as the team works well,” Torres told media members.
Torres and Villa have a combined 64 goals for Spain since 2003.
Alexis Sanchez, Chile
The Udinese international is the key for Chile. The 22-year-old forward excels at pushing the ball up the wing and his play has caught the attention of Manchester United and Real Madrid.
His swift pace and clever moves have some comparing the youngster to Portugal star Cristiano Ronaldo.
“I think (Ronaldo’s) one of the best players in the world, but I’m Alexis Sanchez,” he told Sky Sports. “I’m not Cristiano and I shouldn’t be compared to Cristiano. I want to make my mark in the World Cup.”
Spain have all kinds of speed on their flanks but Sanchez could expose their backline when Sergio Ramos and Joan Capdevila pinch in on the attack.
Other news and notes to know
Spain midfielder Andres Iniesta will return to the starting lineup after sitting out against Honduras because of a leg injury. Iniesta fits seamlessly with Barcelona teammate Xavi in Spain’s midfield. The pair excels at maintaining possession and is pin-point accurate with their passing.
Meanwhile, Chile manager Marcelo Bielsa will be without midfielders Carlos Carmona and Matias Fernandez because of suspension.
"Sometimes (new players) bring freshness and have more energy," Bielsa said. "But most of the time they suffer to find their rhythm."
Spain and Chile last played in 2008 with the European side winning 3-0. Each side has played under the total in their first two games at the 2010 World Cup.