Despite seeing his side suffer a harrowing 5-1 thrashing against the Netherlands in their World Cup opener, Spain boss Vicente Del Bosque has insisted he will avoid wholesale changes for tonight’s must-win encounter with dangerous Chile.
La Roja’s dreadful second half performance has led to calls for a radical reshaping of the team, with Iker Casillas, Gerard Pique, Cesar Azpilicueta, Xabi Alonso, Xavi, David Silva and Diego Costa all blasted for their part in Friday’s horror show.
Another dilemma is the shape of the team, with Del Bosque forced to decide between fielding a traditional centre forward as he did against the Dutch or revert to the ‘false nine’ formation he has used on many occasions in the past.
However, the Spain boss is famously loyal and insisted that any tinkering will be minor. “There will be some changes, but not many,” he said. “We know the quality of our players and we believe in all of them.”
The experienced manager was giving little away, laughing away suggestions that Fernando Torres will be picked after being selected to take part in a media conference.
“You’ll have to ask the press officer about that,” smiled Del Bosque. “But she doesn’t know the team.”
Chile are regarded by many as dark horses, having impressed during the South American qualifying campaign and boasting high-calibre performers from major European leagues such as Arturo Vidal from Juventus and Barcelona’s Alexis Sanchez.
Manager Jorge Sampaoli has maintained the fast-paced, hardworking style of predecessor Marcelo Bielsa, and Del Bosque spoke of his admiration for his team’s opponents.
“Chile have been a stable team in the last few years and I think their current coach has made them even better,” he said.
“They are active, offensive and brave, and we will have to be aggressive like them. We were hurt by Friday’s game but we’re confident of going forward.”
LIKELY LINE-UPS
Spain (4-2-3-1)
Casillas; Juanfran, Pique, Ramos, Alba; Busquets, Alonso; Pedro, Koke, Iniesta; Costa.
Chile (4-3-1-2)
Bravo; Isla, Medel, Jara, Mena; Aranguiz, Diaz, Vidal; Walvidia; Sanchez, Vargas.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Spain – Diego Costa
Disappointing against Holland, Costa will again get a chance to impress against a Chile side who appear vulnerable in the air and against physical forwards. It’s a great chance to make his mark.
Chile – Arturo Vidal
The midfielder got an hour against Australia as he topped up his fitness after injury. Chile will need him at his best up against a Spanish side who can suffocate teams in the middle of the park.
PREDICTION
Spain were grim at the back against Holland, while Chile can’t defend and bomb forward. Expect a good game and a few goals – 3-2 to the Spanish.
