Spain v Chile
Maracana, Rio De Janeiro
Kick-off: 3.30 am Sri Lankan Time
Referee: Mark Geiger (United States).
Tonight’s match will be taking place at the World Cup final venue but Spain failed to convince anyone that they will be there on July 13. The defending champions must hope their wounds after the 5-1 mauling by the Netherlands have healed enough because Chile pose a serious threat, as proven by their dominant 3-1 win against Australia.
Vicente del Bosque is expected to make changes after the 5-1 defeat by Holland.
One possible change could see Chelsea's Cesar Azpilicueta make way for Juanfran.
Chile coach Jorge Sampaoli is expected to keep faith with the side that beat Australia.
Spain have never lost to Chiles, in 10 meetings, with eight wins and two draws to boast about.
If they fail to make that 11 unbeaten and, more imprtantly, a ninth win, then the holders will be almost certainly out.
Hard to imagine, and there is still a chance thye could retain the World Cup.
But they must perform much better than they did against Holland, while Chile may need more than just the help of a referee to win this one.
PAST THREE MEETINGS…
Spain 2 (Soldado, Navas) Chile 2 (Vargas 2), International Friendly, September 2013
Spain 3 (Iniesta, Fabregas 2) Chile 2 (Isla, Vargas), International Friendly, September 2011
Chile 1 (Millar) Spain 2 (Villa, Iniesta), World Cup, June 2010
The four-goal margin led to Spain setting the record of heaviest defeat by a defending World champion.
Last time Spain conceded more than five goals was against Brazil in 1950 where the Furia Roja lost 6-1.
Both sides have faced each other 10 times but Chile were never able to beat Spain. The defending champions have won eight of their last meetings.
After beating Australia last week, Chile have now won three of their last 18 matches in the World Cup finals since 1962.
Spain (Possible, 4-3-2-1): Casillas; Juanfran, Ramos, Martinez, Alba; Alonso, Busquets, Cazorla; Xavi, Iniesta; Fabregas.
Chile (Possible, 4-1-3-2): Bravo; Isla, Medel, Jara, Mena; Diaz; Aranguiz, Valdivia, Vidal; Sanchez, Vargas.
