They needed the win. First game against Ecuador who, despite no Valencia, are not an easy team to play, it was very important they just walked away with the win. And to be honest, it was a very good performance considering the pressure of playing at home and the opening game nerves that a team will always have under such conditions. But they came through well, with the penalty breaking the ice and allowing them to play their football which I LOVE.
What made me a fan of Chile was their brand of passing football with an attacking taste. None of that tic-tac-toe, but passing with the attacking aggressiveness that you expect from South American teams. The synergy and just the understanding between players has to come from the fact that no matter what clubs they play for, they share that Chilean understanding of how to play the game the right way. Quick passing, fluid movement, and always looking forward. But with all of that teamplay, you need a KING to guide you, a Robben or Messi who can beat three or four players and whose job it is to decide when he wants to dribble or pass the ball. That boy is Alexis!
There is a raw intensity that he has to football that gets me excited. Fearless, skilful, determined and a man who is a bona-fide superstar. For Chile, for them to lift this trophy, Alexis will be the key. He is easily the best footballer that Chile has ever produced and he is amongst the top ten fotballers in the entire world. That pretty much tells you the kind of firecracker that Chile have on their hands, and against Ecuador, where five players had trouble stopping him in the penalty box, he showed the kind of superb talent that he is....and he will need that and more if he can give the country of Chile what they crave so much.
Looking forward to seeing this Chile team grow, and how Sampaoli can get them playing at an even higher level. The time is very much now for this generation to deliver, as they have the quality to win it. Brazil and Colombia are still my main favorites, but that means nothing when you cross the white line and the referee blows that whistle. Chile just have to fight like their lives depend on it, but more importantly, trust in their ability going forward to be able to beat whatever team that comes in their way.
As a football fan....here's hoping Alexis can produce some magic for his country in this tournament.
HH
