0' Well after Spain's dismantling Chile have to believe they have half a chance now, and it will start with taking 3 points today. Australia definitely the underdog, but they aren't pushovers, and the ever dangerous Tim Cahill is on the pitch.
12' After a relatively tame open, its Chile who opens the scoring by luring the keeper out and sending the ball back across the face of goal, that eventually get tapped in. Somewhat sloppy that goal, and I think it shows some of Australia's lack of experience in defense leaving a man unmarked in front of goal like that. That will do well for Chile's confidence though.
14' Oh my, barely seconds later, a beautiful shot by Chile from just inside the box after finding a bit of space right into the top corner sends Chile up 2-0. That was well done, and Australia will have to pick up the intensity in defense.
30' Australia with a few chances coming, as it looks like Chile have started to relax a little. Not without opportunities though, but a poorly timed run or an errant pass ending any scoring opportunities for either side.
35' And Cahill brings Australia back within one. A beautiful header from a cross. Not to take anything away, but Chile's defense also show their weakness, as Cahill was the only man in the box needing to be marked, and none of the three defenders were able to cover him properly. Both of these teams will have to get their defenses in order. Nearly a minute later, Cahill almost scores again, with a beautiful shot in on goal saved by the keeper. The game has really opened up now.
53' Cahill equalizes only to have the goal brought back for offside, and he just barely was. Australia playing well now, counterattacking well. Chile still finding space in attack though, but unable to connect on any crosses, being marked well.
57' Another beautiful counterattack by Australia sees Bresciano connecting with a cross in, only to have it beautifully saved by the Chilean keeper. What an opportunity that was, and Australia are not out of this game yet, putting strong pressure on Chile.
61' Chile inches away from their third goal, as a beautiful cross comes in to a lone unmarked Vargas who beats the keeper with a clever chip shot. Unfortunately the ball not hit with enough pace, and an Australian defender steams in and clears it off the line at the last second. Australia catching a break there.
70' Cahill gets a head to another cross, and it sails just over the crossbar. Chile not doing well marking Cahill at all, and looking very vulnerable to the counterattack.
92' Chile finally crack through again, and seal the win. A good shot blocked by the Australian keeper, but it rebounds right to Chile, who slots home a shit into the bottom corner that the keeper can't do anything about. Unlucky for Australia, but an excellent shot off the rebound.
Final' Chile escaping with the three, but they have plenty of holes to plug in their defense if they want to have a chance at making it through the next round. Australia playing well, and coming up just short this time. Good to see them score, as you can't bet on them going through any more, even on a wing and a prayer.
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