Match Preview: Spain v Chile

Who is playing?
Spain v Chile. Group B. Wednesday 18th June 2000 BST

Where are they playing?
Estádio Maracanã, Rio de Janeiro.

We waxed lyrical about this stadium in our Argentina-Bosnia preview

Can I watch it on the telly?
You can. It's on the BBC.

Big game?
Massive.

Defending champions Spain weren't just beaten by Holland, they were annihilated in a stunning second half display with Robben and Van Persie at its heart.

Holland were in no way flattered by the 5-1 scoreline, in fact it could have been several more. The Chile clash is now a must win game for the Spaniards. Defeat to Chile will mean that their final group match against Australia will likely be a dead rubber.

Chile got off to a cracking start against the Aussies but faded somewhat in the face of the Australian's industry. Tim Cahill lead them superbly and got them back into it. Beausejour's late goal made the scoreline a flattering 3-1 but the overall Chilean performance will give Spain hope that they can get something here.

Chile won't want to have to get something against the high flying Dutch to qualify, so will go hell for leather to win this one.

Fascinating Spain fact?
Spain is the least densely populated country in Europe, with just 202 inhabitants per square mile

Any famous Chileans?
Well there's Santigo Cabrera, you know, Aramis off The Musketeers


Who's playing for Spain?
Goalkeepers: Iker Casillas (Real Madrid), Pepe Reina (Napoli), David De Gea (Manchester United).

Defenders: Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid), Gerard Pique (Barcelona), Raul Albiol (Napoli), Cesar Azpilicueta (Chelsea), Juanfran (Atletico Madrid), Jordi Alba (Barcelona).

Midfielders: Xavi (Barcelona), Xabi Alonso (Real Madrid), Sergio Busquets (Barcelona), Andres Iniesta (Barcelona), Cesc Fabregas (Barcelona), Santi Cazorla (Arsenal), Koke (Atletico Madrid), Javi Martinez (Bayern Munich).

Forwards: David Silva (Manchester City), Diego Costa (Atletico Madrid), Fernando Torres (Chelsea), Pedro (Barcelona), Juan Mata (Manchester United), David Villa (Atletico Madrid)

Who's playing for Chile?
Goalkeepers: Claudio Bravo (Real Sociedad), Johnny Herrera (Universidad de Chile), Cristopher Toselli (Universidad Catolica).

Defenders: Gary Medel (Cardiff City), Gonzalo Jara (Nottingham Forest), Jose Rojas (Universidad de Chile), Eugenio Mena (Santos), Mauricio Isla (Juventus).


Midfielders: Jorge Valdivia (Palmeiras), Felipe Gutierrez (Twente), Jose Pedro Fuenzalida (Colo Colo), Francisco Silva (Osasuna), Arturo Vidal (Juventus), Charles Aranguiz (Internacional), Marcelo Diaz (Basel), Carlos Carmona (Atalanta), Miiko Albornoz (Malmo).

Forwards: Alexis Sanchez (Barcelona), Esteban Paredes (Colo Colo) Eduardo Vargas (Valencia), Jean Beausejour (Wigan Athletic), Mauricio Pinilla (Cagliari), Fabian Orellana (Celta).

Any useless stats and info?
Of course, here you go:

• Chile have never Spain, losing to them on eight occasions and chalking up just two draws. 

• They first met at 1950 World Cup in the Maracanã, Spain winning 2-0.

• Their last encounter was a 2-2 draw in Geneva in Spetember 2013.

• They last met in the World Cup in 2010. Spain won 2-1 thanks to goals from David Villa and Iniesta. Marco Estrada was sent off for Chile.

Prediction:
Going for high scoring draw in this one.