Mark Gonzalez celebrates Chile's winner -Photo: AP
South African-born winger — Mark Gonzalez — entered the field in the second-half to head home the only goal of the match, giving Chile a 1-0 win over 10-man Switzerland at Port Elizabeth Stadium on Monday. Despite racking up six points in two games, Chile still need at-least a point against Spain to be guaranteed of a place in the round of 16 stage of the World Cup.
Chile’s goal came in the 75th minute, when Esteban Paredes rounded the Swiss defence before crossing to the back post setting up Gonzalez who scored the all-decisive goal with a well-placed header.
Marcelo Bielsa’s side dominated from the first minute, pressuring the Swiss defense with swift breaks down the flanks. But even if they had nine shots on goal in the first half only four were on target. Switzerland, on the other hand, barely made it into Chile’s area.
The game was marred by some rough challenges from both teams, in the 31st minute referee Khalil Al Ghamdi was left with no choice but to send off Swiss midfielder Valon Behrami for violent conduct.
Udinese striker Alexis Sanchez hit the back of the net in the 49th minute, but the goal was disallowed for offside. He also had a clear path on goal six minutes later, but the play was intercepted by Swiss goalkeeper Diego Benaglio.
Chile created several clear-cut opportunities to extend their lead against a weak Switzerland, but failed to make the most of them. The Chileans were always a menace to the opposing defense, but they lacked determination when it came to finishing them off.
In a rare attack substitute Eren Derdiyok almost snatched the Swiss an unlikely draw, but somehow shot wide when he had the goal at his mercy. The miss summed up Switzerland’s day, as the Europeans didn’t manage a shot on target in the entire ninety minutes.
With the win Chile finally broke Switzerland’s World Cup record where they went without conceding a goal for 551 consecutive minutes. La Roja spearhead Group H with six points, ahead of Switzerland with three points. Both teams along with Spain, who beat Honduras 2-0 also Monday, have chances of reaching the last 16.
Brian de Olivera
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Chile or Spain will be out that’s sad for soccer on the whole as they are two good teams. Having a crappy honduras in the group didn’t do them any favours at all. Chile with 2 wins could be home next, that’s too unfair in my opinion
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