Two nations chasing World Cup glory will do battle today in a match between Chile and Australia. The 2014 World Cup group-stage match scheduled for 6 p.m. ET will be held at the Arena Pantanal in Cuiaba and can be live streamed here free. A Spanish language broadcast of the match can be found here (via Univision). Radio broadcast of the match can be found here. Additional TV coverage can be found on ESPN, Univision and ESPN Deportes.
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Sorry, America, but your bias hasn't landed you in the Group of Death. That prestigious excuse belongs to Group B, which features Chile, Spain, Australia and the Netherlands. Advancing from the group won't be enough for either side. With the runner-up destined to face Brazil in the Round of 16, it's a win-at-all-cost mentality for the four nations. For Australia head coach Ange Postecoglou, neither the challenge nor lack of attention is of concern to him.
"Chile feel they can make a big impact in this tournament. They've got an exceptionally strong unit. For us it's a massive challenge," the former Australian defender told a press conference at the Arena Pantanal on Thursday evening (via the Telegraph). "It's the first game, so it's obviously very important. We're up for it. The players are ready."
When asked if he was ready to be dismissed by world powers the likes of Spain and the Netherlands, he added: "It doesn't bother us if people don't pay us attention."
Will Australia be able to survive its massive challenge against Chile this afternoon? Tell us @SportsWN
Tactical Preview
Player to Watch: Injury remains a huge concern for Chile's Arturo Vidal. The Juventus midfielder was kept from World Cup preparations, suffering a knee injury that forced him to undergo surgery to repair a meniscus. Projections have Vidal returning to the starting XI and providing Chile a massive boost in the midfield. The 27-year-old made 32 league appearances in Serie A. His defensive and offensive prowess allowed him to finish the season averaging 4.1 tackles and 1.5 key passes per match.
Chile's Projected Lineup (3-4-3): Bravo; Jara, Medel, Mena; Aránguiz, Díaz, Vidal, Isla; Valdivia, Sánchez, Vargas
Australia's Projected Lineup (4-2-3-1): Ryan; Davidson, Spiranovic, Wilkinson, Franjic; Jedinak, Milligan; Oar, Bresciano, Leckie; Cahill
Note: Credit all statistics to officially licensed data from Opta Sports (via WhoScored)
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