Chile and Australia clash in Group B on Friday with both teams really needing a win if they are to have anything to play for against Spain and the Netherlands later on.

Chile may well fancy their chances in the group, especially if the Netherlands' defence starts to look shaky, so they will be doing everything they can to take maximum points from their opening game here.

They have been on decent goalscoring form in their two warm-up games against, the admittedly weaker, Egypt and Northern Ireland, and they will take encouragement from that particularly against Australia.

The Socceroos have struggled in their warm-up games, although they have played teams of a decent enough standard. A draw with South Africa and defeat to Croatia is not ideal, and they will need to do better going forward in particular.

Arturo Vidal, one of the key men in the Chile midfield, could miss the clash with inflammation on the knee but Australia could be boosted by the fitness of midfielder Mark Bresciano, who could well start.

Recent form

Chile: LWLWW

Australia: WWLDL

Possible starting lineups

Chile: Bravo; Medel, Jara, Albornoz; Isla, Diaz, Gutierrez, Beausejour; Aranguiz, Sanchez, Vargas

Australia: Ryan; Franjic, Spiranovic, Wilkinson, Davidson; Milligan, Jedinak, Bresciano; Leckie, Cahill, Oar

Sports Mole says: 2-0

Written by
Matt Domm

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