2010 FIFA World Cup Odds Preview – Chile: Chili coach Marcelo Bielsa is taking his 23 man squad to South Africa for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, knowing his team is a bit underrated and a sure threat to higher ranked teams, even Cup favorite Spain. That could be a bad thing as Chile is assigned with Spain in Group H. Also competing in the group are underdogs Switzerland and Honduras. Chile is entering the tournament on a hot streak having won four consecutive friendlies against respected Mexico 1-0, Zambia (3-0), Northern Ireland (1-0) and Israel (3-0).
Chile, listed at 40-to-1 odds on the Bodog.com World Cup 2010 board to win the tournament, if it can avoid any unforeseen trip-ups, Chile should be a lock to advance to the next round with only Spain, at 4-to-1, lined better in Group H.
Coached by the experienced Argentinean Bielsa, the Chileans qualified for the finals with some ease, atoning for poor performances in the qualifying competitions for Korea/Japan 2002 and Germany 2006, when they finished ninth and seventh respectively. World Cup 2010 South Africa is Chile's first trip to the finals in 12 years.
The Chilean side is the youngest team of all entries from South America. Chile finished second in the continental qualifying group, just one point behind Brazil. That performance, their best since the group format was introduced, was rounded off with a spectacular 4-2 win in Colombia in October, a result that solidified their return to the finals tournament with one game remaining.
Chile's roster is dominated by players who dot foreign teams in Europe and the USA. On Wednesday, June 2, the team was cut to the final 23 including midfielder Marco Estrada who is returning from injury. The teams attacking style is led by Matias Fernandez, Alexis Sanchez and Humberto Suazo.
Suazo is expected to miss the teams first match on June 16 against Honduras. The teams leading striker suffered a hamstring injury in a friendly match against Israel on Sunday (May 30).
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