Chile vs Uruguay: Preview and Prediction
Chile is ready to take on the challenge of the Uruguayan side in their last fixture of 2022 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers from the CONMEBOL division at their home ground, Estadio San Carlos de Apoquindoon Wednesday. A must-win situation for hosts where their two former Barcelona starlets Claudio Bravo, Arturo Vidal and Alexis Sanchez will be up against the Barca legend Luis Suarez.
Uruguay, the inaugural FIFA World Cup hosts and champions haven’t missed a single edition since their 1950 triumph. They have always been considered as the dark horses for the championship owing to the generational star power of the nation. The South American giants have already booked their seats in the World Cup participants roster and may spoil Chile’s plans before the conclusion of the international break.
On the other hand, Chile missed a direct berth and will have to thrive through a tough scenario to qualify for inter-confederation playoffs. Even if they win this fixture, only defeats of Peru and Colombia can grant them a playoff qualification. The two-time Copa America champions are yet to make a World Cup appearance since their consecutive continental triumphs.
Current Form
Scenes after the winning goal of Georgian de Arrascaeta which ensured Uruguay’s qualification
Uruguay has converted their losing streak of three games into a winning run of four games straight where the Sky Blues defense conceded only a single goal. The storming winner from Giorgian de Arrascaeta broke the Peruvian hearts and grabbed the tickets to Qatar. Uruguayan is now charged up to present a memorable send-off to the veterans Diego Godin, Edinson Cavani and Luis Suarez who might make their final world cup appearance in this edition.
Dropping vital points from this stage of the tournament has caused the Chilean Huemuls to miss out on a Top 4 finish. And a 0-4 disastrous outcome from the previous fixture against the table-toppers Brazil has ensured it all. Where the high-profile Chilean attack could only release two shots on target in combat with the Samba wall.
Head to Head Record
The stakes are always high whenever these two face each other!
Whether it’s the Overall head-to-head count or FIFA World Cup Qualifiers record, Uruguay has always been the dominant force against Chile. The two South American combatants have battled on 83 occasions at the international stage where Uruguay won 46, Chile won 19 and 18 games were drawn.
The most recent encounter between these two nations was staged in the group stage of Copa America on a 1-1 settlement. It was a forgettable continental campaign for both as they were knocked out from the tournament in the Quarter-Final round itself. In their previous face-off on the same stage, an injury-time winner from Maxi Gomez kick-started the Uruguayan World Cup qualification journey in style.
Team News
The 22-year-old Chilean striker Ben Brereton Diaz who is travelling with the squad despite the injury concerns, may not feature in this fixture too. Diaz is in a lethal form and it will surely boost their winning chances if he somehow manages to get himself on the field.
Edinson Cavani made a substitute appearance in their previous win over Peru where the Uruguayan attack missed his presence from the start. The Manchester United striker’s ruthlessness and bonding with Luis Suarez is always a treat to watch. El Matador is likely to replace the Benfica youngster Darwin Núñez in the Uruguayan frontline.
Predicted Starting Lineups
Chile (3-5-2): Claudio Bravo; Gary Medel, Paulo Diaz, Enzo Roco; Mauricio Isla, Arturo Vidal, Claudio Baeza, Charles Aranguiz, Gabriel Suazo; Alexis Sanchez, Eduardo Vargas
Uruguay (4-4-2): Sergio Rochet; Ronald Arujo, Diego Godin, Jose Gimenez, Mathias Olivera; Facundo Pellistri, Rodrigo Bentacur, Fede Valverde, Giorgian de Arrascaeta; Luis Suarez, Edinson Cavani
Prediction
Uruguay will be turning up for this fixture as favourites owing to their dominant head-to-head record and a red-hot form. While Chile’s chances to emerge as a winner from this contest are slim. Although La Roja will leave no stone unturned to survive and keep their World Cup qualification dream alive.