Chile

Chile enter their first World Cup in 12 years in buoyant mood having finished second in South American qualifying to Brazil under their revolutionary Argentinian coach, Marcelo Bielsa. 

Following a poor campaign in 2006 qualifying and a poor Copa America in 2007, Argentina's Olympic winning coach from 2004 took over from Nelson Acosta, in what was an inspired appointment.

El loco has brought organisation, inspiration and discipline to the team and has let his flair players off the leash. Many plaudits were received for their attacking and free flowing displays in qualifying, in which La Roja' even recorded their first competitive victory over Argentina.  

WORLD CUP HISTORY

Chile's World Cup history has been tumultuous, ranging from on the pitch violence to disqualifications but they delivered one of the finest Mundials in 1962, as hosts. The tournament almost got moved elsewhere following the earthquake of 1960, but the organisers saw the importance of keeping the World Cup in the country, and results didn't disappoint. La Roja ultimately finished third, losing to Garrincha's Brazil, in what is still their finest result to date.

The most well known game of that tournament was a violent affair between the hosts and Italy, in what become known as the battle of Santiago. The game was referred to as "the most stupid, appalling, disgusting and disgraceful exhibition of football, possibly in the history of the game" by a British commentator.

SCHEDULE- Group H

Honduras        June 16th- Nelspruit

Switzerland     June 21st- Port Elizabeth

Spain              June 25th- Pretoria

KEY PLAYERS

Real Sociedad goalkeeper Claudio Bravo is the captain and an inspiration member of the team. His return from injury has conincided with the World Cup warm up games which Chile have excelled in. His dependability will bring confidence to the three defenders in front of him.

Humberto Suazo was South America's top scorer in the 18 game qualifying marathon. His ten goals ultimately fired his country to the World Cup, but Chupete is also just returning from injury after missing the final part of the season with Real Zaragoza.

The man who makes the midfield tick is Matias Fernandez, but his chances at his new club, Sporting Lisbon, have been sporadic in the last year. Matigol, however, is an integral part of the Chile team at the age of 24 and with the dropping of Cluadio Maldonaldo, his importance has become even greater.

ONE TO WATCH- Alexis Sanchez

The Udinese winger is a rising star in Europe and his stock looks set to climb further in South Africa. El Nino Maravilla has scored three times in Chile's warm up games and his unpredictability and pace could be what sends Chile to the second round.

BEST CASE SCENARIO...

With a spot in the second round on the cards, victory over Brazil would be a dream, especially in the context of their 4-2 and 3-0 qualifying defeats to the Selecao

WORST CASE SCENARIO...

Failure to outwit a dogged Swiss outfit would be a major disappointment after qualifying so impressively.

PREDICTION

Bielsa wont want a repeat of his failure with Argentina in 2002. At that time, his home country were in a more perilous state than the earthquake-hit Chile are now, and that campaign badly damaged his legacy and reputation back home. In 2010 Chile should have enough to reach the second round, and win many admirers in the process. In the second round a repeat of 1998s tie with Brazil might be waiting. The game finished 4-1 and the outcome will most likely be the same this summer.