Frank LorenzoAn important game in the 2014 World Cup group B features Chile taking on Australia on June 13 at the Arena Pantanal, in Cuiabá.
An important game in the 2014 World Cup group B features Chile taking on Australia on June 13 at the Arena Pantanal, in Cuiabá.
Both teams need a win here considering they are joined in the group by the last World Cup finalists Spain and Netherlands. If Chile and Australia drawn it’s unlikely, they can advance to the second round.
Chile has the issue of not knowing if their star Arturo Vidal will be fit for the opener of the tournament.
“The decision to let him play was agreed with both the medical team and Arturo. It was important to let him play some minutes and we got a chance to see him again,” Chile coach Jorge Sampaoli told reporters.
“Arturo had a very short recovery and he came where we need him to, thanks to his boldness. He always wanted to play this game, and although we had some doubts, he cleared them all. Tomorrow (Thursday) he’ll have to get into the rhythm of things so he can be in the opener. It no longer depends on his knee, but on the level for competition.”
Australia, on the other hand, is the underdog of the group and no one gives them any chance to advance. Four years ago they were eliminated in the group stage, but in 2006, they made it all the way to the round of 16.
The World Cup odds for this match in group B has Chile as the favorite listed -194 to win; Australia is +800 and the draw is +320.
