Chile – Australia

Key game early in Group B between Chile and Australia. Whoever fails to win this can pretty much say goodbye to the World Cup in a group with Spain and Netherlands, so a win is mandatory for both sides if they are to stand any chance of going trough.

Chile has a very good team and under the leadership of Arturo Vidal and Alexis Sanchez they also have the required star power to compete at this level. The South Americans are also in great form, and in the last 15 games they failed to win only against Spain, Brazil, Germany and Colombia. As one of the most exciting offensive teams in the World Cup, Chile will feel confident of kicking off their campaign with a win against an inferior Australian side.

Australia has by far the worst squad in many years. Led by 34 year olds Cahill and Bresciano, they clearly lack the needed quality for a major tournament like the World Cup and seem unable to compensate for that with tactical rigor and discipline. The Socceroos barely qualified for the competition ahead of Jordan and their form is abysmal, with just 2 wins, 1 draw and 4 losses in the last 7 outings, including two 6-0 defeats to Brazil and France. I saw Australia against Croatia a couple of days ago and they were unable to create anything, despite meeting a team that was far from its best at the time of the match.

Wide betting coverage and best asian handicap market at Sbobet. Register now to get great odds and a 200 euro welcome bonus!

Team news & lineups

Arturo Vidal is slightly doubtful for Chile and his absence would be a big blow, but reports say that he will almost surely start the game. Australia has no injuries or suspensions ahead of this match.

Chile: Bravo – Jara, Medel, Gonzalez – Isla, Vidal, Diaz, Beausejour – Sanchez, Vargas, Fernandez.

Australia: Ryan – Franjic, Spiranovic, McGowan, Davidson – Milligan, Jedinak, Bresciano – Halloran, Cahill, Oar.

Chile is the better team by far, no doubt about that, but I also like the matchup between Chile`s offense and Australia`s defense here. The South Americans are so versatile offensively and score in bunches, while the Socceroos allowed no less than 18 goals in their last 7 outings. With hope of qualification on the line, I`m confident Chile will step up and take care of business. I am realistic and we should be aware that in the World Cup teams always give it their all, so we can expect a better than usual Australia tonight, but a handicap win should still be in Chile`s grasp. My tip is Chile to win and cover the 1,25 goal asian handicap, especially because of that offense – defense matchup I mentioned earlier, and I can see Alexis Sanchez grabbing himself a goal against the shaky Australian back line. No disrespect to the Socceroos, but this is one team I do not see producing any upsets in the World Cup. The odds are dropping on this bet. Prediction: Chile – Australia 3-0.

Pick: Chile (-1,25 Asian Handicap)
Odds: 2.28 @ Sbobet
Stake: 10
Possible profit: 12.8
Event date: 13 June