FIFA Ranking: 14 (Last Updated 05 Jun 2014)
History: Chile took part in the inaugural World Cup in 1930. Since then, their participation in the tournament has been dotted with sporadic absence – thanks to various reasons as myriad as withdrawal, disqualification and banning. For the first time since 1966, they will be taking part in back-to-back finals.
Qualifying report: Chile qualified third from South America, behind Argentina and Colombia. Their performance surprised everyone as they pipped teams like Uruguay and Paraguay – who failed to qualify.
But, their qualifying campaign had all the matters of concern and worry before the arrival of Jorge Sampaoli in December.
Star Players: Undoubtedly, Alexis Sanchez is their best bet in this World Cup. The Barcelona player has showed the raw pace and tricks to unsettle any side. He, along with Arturo Vidal of Juventus, will play an important role in their campaign.
Top scorer at the Cup: Two of Chile`s most important players – Leonel Sanchez and Marcelo Salas, have scored four goals each. Sanchez played in two finals, in 1962 and 1966. But all of his four goals came in the 1962 edition at home, in which they finished an impressive third.
Salas played in only one World Cup in 1998 and his fours goals came from four matches. Injury issues ended his career prematurely.
Most World Cup caps: Elias Figueroa, probably the most famous Chilean footballer of all time represented Chile in three World Cups, in 1966, 1974 and 1982. He played in nine matches.
Figueroa is joined by striker Leonel Sanchez on nine matches as Chile`s two most capped World Cup players. The duo led the national team in their most successful essay, in the 1962 World Cup at home to finish third.
Team record at the Cup: Third-place finish in 1962 at home was Chile`s best result so far in the competition. But after the Round of 16 qualification in 2010, this time, La Roja will hope for a higher finish.
Coach: Jorge Sampaoli – The Argentine was hired in a tumultuous qualifying period, especially considering his reputation as a creative manager – reflected in Universidad de Chile`s success. The former defensive midfielder then helped Chile win five of the seven matches and ultimately finish third in the CONMEBOL qualifier.
Squad:
Goalkeepers: Claudio Bravo (Real Sociedad), Johnny Herrera (Universidad de Chile), Cristopher Toselli (Universidad Catolica)
Defenders: Gary Medel (Cardiff City), Jose Rojas (Universidad de Chile), Eugenio Mena (Santos), Gonzalo Jara (Nottingham Forest)
Midfielders: Arturo Vidal (Juventus), Mauricio Isla (Juventus), Marcelo Diaz (Basel), Francisco Silva (Osasuna), Felipe Gutierrez (FC Twente), Jose Pedro Fuenzalida (Colo Colo), Carlos Carmona (Atalanta), Jean Beausejour (Wigan Athletic), Charles Aranguiz (Internacional), Miiko Albornoz (Malmo)
Forwards: Alexis Sanchez (Barcelona), Eduardo Vargas (Valencia), Jorge Valdivia (Palmeiras), Mauricio Pinilla (Cagliari), Esteban Paredes (Colo Colo), Fabian Orellana (Celta Vigo)
Group listing: Group B - Spain, Netherlands and Australia.
Fixtures
June 13: Chile v Australia, Cuiaba
June 18: Spain v Chile, Rio de Janeiro
June 23: Holland v Chile, Sao Paulo