Two nations looking to return to form will do battle today in an international friendly between Chile and Northern Ireland. The Chilean World Cup tune-up scheduled for 8 p.m. ET will be held at the Estadio Elias Figueroa Brander in Valparaiso and can be live streamed here free.
Chile was awarded a major boost earlier in the week, with Arturo Vidal recovering from a surgery (knee) underwent in May and already back in training. Much to the surprise and joy of head coach Jorge Sampaoli, Vidal's quick recovery will prove to be a massive boost to the national team's chances in Brazil.
"Vidal is a footballer who is so far above average in terms of physical and mental capacity," he told reporters in a news conference (via Soccerway). "His recovery has surprised me. He's already working with the ball despite the operation," he added.
"But it'll be up to the coaching stuff to decide whether he plays straight away."
The Juventus man isn't projected to start in today's friendly against Northern Ireland, but will his inclusion be enough to lead Chile past the Group of Death in Brazil? Tell us @SportsWN
Tactical Preview
Player to Watch: Esteban Paredes has been a stalwart forward at the club level for Colo Colo. In Chile's first division last season, the 33-year-old made 13 starts, contributing 16 goals. He will look to do more of the same for his national team this evening.
Chile's Projected Lineup (4-3-1-2): Herrera; Mena, Rojas, Medel, Isla; Carmona, Silva, Díaz; Valdivia; Paredes, Orellana
Northern Ireland's Projected Lineup (5-3-2): Carroll; Ferguson, Hughes, Baird, McCullough, Evans; Davis, Clingan; Norwood, McKay, McGinn
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