CHILE WORLD CUP HOPES ON THE LINE
The golden generation of Chile might miss out on the 2018 World Cup, despite their great run in recent years.
Their World Cup performance in 2010 and 2014 are the best show for the country in recent time. Their effort on home soil in 1962 comes close. They won the 2015 Copa America on home soil, and replicated same this year, defeating the same opponent – Argentina on penalty kicks.
The golden generation of Chile might miss out on the 2018 World Cup, despite their great run in recent years.

Their World Cup performance in 2010 and 2014 are the best show for the country in recent time. Their effort on home soil in 1962 comes close. They won the 2015 Copa America on home soil, and replicated same this year, defeating the same opponent – Argentina on penalty kicks.
The current crops of players have formed the best squad in Chilean football, and some might exit after the 2018 World Cup in Russia. This makes it a big deal that Chile make it to the finals in 2018. After six rounds, Chile lie in fourth place – the last automatic spot to appear at the World Cup finals. There is a playoff against Oceania, there are decent hopes that the golden generation continue their run.
In the seventh round played on Thursday, Paraguay defeated Chile 2-1. The defeat leaves the defending Copa America champions now in seventh place. The sudden turn in fortunes of the country might not be unconnected to complacency. Chile qualified through the group stages this year at the Copa America without conceding any goal despite meeting highly attacking teams like Argentina, Columbia and Mexico. Barely after ten minutes when they face Paraguay, they were two goals down.
Some might blame the first choice goalkeeper who moved from Barcelona to Manchester City. He wasn’t available for the two rounds Chile played as he was still settling down in his new club. Also, injuries held back some key players. They host Bolivia next, and Sanchez is expected to lead them to the three crucial points. Chile cannot afford to lose any more point if they do not want to put their World Cup hopes on the line.