5 Reasons Why Chile Can Win the 2014 World Cup

5 Reasons Why Chile Can Win the 2014 World Cup

By Sebastian Gonzalez

May 30, 2014

5 Reasons Why Chile Can Win the 2014 World Cup

chile soccer team — In a group with Spain and the Netherlands, few people see Chile escaping the group stage. However, with new coach Jorge Sampaoli, they have yet to show their best football and returned to their usual attacking, free-flowing football. With players in big European clubs like Juventus, Barcelona and Valencia, they have more than enough arguments for advancing to the knockout stage. But Chile can go on a lot further, potentially even winning it.

In a group with Spain and the Netherlands, few people see Chile escaping the group stage. However, with new coach Jorge Sampaoli, they have yet to show their best football and returned to their usual attacking, free-flowing football. With players in big European clubs like Juventus, Barcelona and Valencia, they have more than enough arguments for advancing to the knockout stage. But Chile can go on a lot further, potentially even winning it.

5. Arturo Vidal

arturo vidal juventus

5. Arturo Vidal

arturo vidal juventus — Chile's biggest hope in winning the World Cup lies in the feet and heart of world-class midfielder Arturo Vidal. Over the past seasons in Juventus, he's proved that he's the best box-to-box midfielder in the world, being able to defend and break up opposing plays while finishing up and scoring on offense. Juventus has set a €50 million selling price for their star, and some would argue that's a bargain.

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Chile's biggest hope in winning the World Cup lies in the feet and heart of world-class midfielder Arturo Vidal. Over the past seasons in Juventus, he's proved that he's the best box-to-box midfielder in the world, being able to defend and break up opposing plays while finishing up and scoring on offense. Juventus has set a €50 million selling price for their star, and some would argue that's a bargain.

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4. The Underdog Factor

alexis sanchez chile

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4. The Underdog Factor

alexis sanchez chile — In a group that has the reigning World Cup champions and the reigning Runner-ups, Chile will concede any pressure to both Holland and Spain. Chile can play without the pressure of having to qualify and simply focus on upsetting Spain and Holland, as well as beating Australia. Every World Cup has their underdog story, and Chile could very well be this year's version.

In a group that has the reigning World Cup champions and the reigning Runner-ups, Chile will concede any pressure to both Holland and Spain. Chile can play without the pressure of having to qualify and simply focus on upsetting Spain and Holland, as well as beating Australia. Every World Cup has their underdog story, and Chile could very well be this year's version.

3. Team Soccer At Its Finest

alexis sanchez carlos munoz

3. Team Soccer At Its Finest

alexis sanchez carlos munos — Chile is often referred to as the "Spain of South America" for its style of soccer. Coach Jorge Sampaoli has created an extremely well-oiled machine that times their runs perfectly, knows when and who to pass it to and makes sure to involve the whole team and not rely on a player like Alexis Sanchez or Arturo Vidal. If Diego Simeone's Atletico has taught us anything, it's that team play can go a long way.

Chile is often referred to as the "Spain of South America" for its style of soccer. Coach Jorge Sampaoli has created an extremely well-oiled machine that times their runs perfectly, knows when and who to pass it to and makes sure to involve the whole team and not rely on a player like Alexis Sanchez or Arturo Vidal. If Diego Simeone's Atletico has taught us anything, it's that team play can go a long way.

2. Chemistry

Matias fernandez eduardo vargas

2. Chemistry

matias fernandez eduardo vargas — The players that coach Sampaoli has called up have been playing with each other for years. Players like Arturo Vidal, Alexis Sanchez, Gary Medel and Mauricio Isla have been playing together since the 2007 U-20 World Cup in Canada. This type of chemistry and trust goes a long way in a tournament like the World Cup, as the chemistry amongst the squad only refines the already well-oiled machine that is Chile.

The players that coach Sampaoli has called up have been playing with each other for years. Players like Arturo Vidal, Alexis Sanchez, Gary Medel and Mauricio Isla have been playing together since the 2007 U-20 World Cup in Canada. This type of chemistry and trust goes a long way in a tournament like the World Cup, as the chemistry amongst the squad only refines the already well-oiled machine that is Chile.

1. Excellent Technique

claudio bravo goal kick

1. Excellent Technique

claudio bravo goal kick — The Chilean soccer team boasts players who have an amazing touch on the ball, which leads to possession, which leads to scoring opportunities. From defense to offense, coach Sampaoli likes his teams to be able to effectively pass the ball. Even goalkeeper Claudio Bravo is gifted in this area and perhaps the best goalkeeper in the world with his feet. The pass-heavy system of Chile will be sure to tire out opponents.

The Chilean soccer team boasts players who have an amazing touch on the ball, which leads to possession, which leads to scoring opportunities. From defense to offense, coach Sampaoli likes his teams to be able to effectively pass the ball. Even goalkeeper Claudio Bravo is gifted in this area and perhaps the best goalkeeper in the world with his feet. The pass-heavy system of Chile will be sure to tire out opponents.

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