Spain v Chile: World Cup 2014 match preview

A look ahead to Wednesday’s clash at the Maracana stadium

Head coach Vicente Del Bosque chats with Iker Casillas of Spain (GETTY IMAGES)

Tonight’s match will be taking place at the World Cup final venue but Spain failed to convince anyone that they will be there on July 13. The defending champions must hope their wounds after the 5-1 mauling by the Netherlands have healed enough because Chile pose a serious threat, as proven by their dominant 3-1 win against Australia.

Manager Vicente Del Bosque is expected to make substantial changes in the starting line-up with goalkeeper Iker Casillas possibly being sidelined after his poor performance last week. Liverpool stopper Pepe Reina could be standing under the bar as Manchester United’s David De Gea suffered a leg injury that could rule him out for the rest of the group stage.

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Chelsea’s newest signing Cesc Fabregas along with Javi Martinez and Pedro seem likely to start at this must-win fixture whilst Gerard Pique and Diego Costa will possibly be sitting on the bench.

Chile will be relying a lot on Alexis Sanchez who proved to be in great form last week as he scored one goal and made another against Australia. Much will be expected by midfielder Arturo Vidal who seems pretty dependable despite a recent knee injury.

KICK-OFF: Wednesday, 8pm

PAST THREE MEETINGS…

Spain 2 (Soldado, Navas) Chile 2 (Vargas 2), International Friendly, September 2013

Spain 3 (Iniesta, Fabregas 2) Chile 2 (Isla, Vargas), International Friendly, September 2011

Chile 1 (Millar) Spain 2 (Villa, Iniesta), World Cup, June 2010

STATS…

The four-goal margin led to Spain setting the record of heaviest defeat by a defending World champion.

Last time Spain conceded more than five goals was against Brazil in 1950 where the Furia Roja lost 6-1.

Both sides have faced each other 10 times but Chile were never able to beat Spain. The defending champions have won eight of their last meetings.

After beating Australia last week, Chile have now won three of their last 18 matches in the World Cup finals since 1962.

ODDS…

Spain to win: 13.20

Chile to win: 9.2

Draw: 10.3

TV: Live on BBC One at 8pm