European powerhouse Germany are set to take South American dark horses Chile in a friendly match at Mercedes-Benz Arena in Stuttgart on Wednesday, March 5, 2014 (11:45 AM Pacific).
Although it may only be a friendly in name, the clash holds a lot of significance for the players fighting it out to win a place on the plane to Brazil for the upcoming World Cup, as it is the final FIFA Match Day before the National team managers announce their final 23-man squad for the showpiece event.
The Germans may be termed as favorites heading into the clash, given their home advantage, as well as manager Joachim Loew possessing a ridiculously talented bunch of players.
However, Chile have become a much improved side in the last couple of years under Argentine manager Jorge Sampaoli, as evidenced by the La Roja’s fine World Cup qualification campaign, as well as their comprehensive victory over England at Wembley recently and the German side could well be in for a surprise.
Germany
Germany manager Joachim Loew has taken the opportunity of the friendly match to call-up four uncapped players in the form of Pierre-Michel Lasogga, Andre Hahn, Matthias Ginter and Shkodran Mustafi, while there have also been recalls for Bastian Schweinsteiger, Lukas Podolski and Kevin Grosskreutz.
The usual suspects have all been included in the 30-man squad, but all eyes will surely be on veteran striker Miroslav Klose, who could make history by becoming Germany’s all-time goalscoring record holder if he manages to find the net, surpassing the legendary Gerd Muller’s long-standing record of 68 goals.
Chile
There are no major surprises to the Chilean side with manager Jorge Sampaoli choosing not to make too many changes to the squad, which has been in sensational form in the last couple of matches.
Carlos Carmona will be available for selection once again, while the Chilean stars who are creating waves in European football, namely, Alexis Sanchez, Gary Medel and Arturo Vidal will surely feature from the start. David Pizarro and Miiko Albornoz are the only notable absentees for the La Roja.
Last 5 Matches
Germany
19/11/2013 England 0 – 1 Germany (Friendly)
15/11/2013 Italy 1 – 1 Germany (Friendly)
15/10/2013 Sweden 3 – 5 Germany 5 (WCQ)
11/10/2013 Germany 3 – 0 Ireland 0 (WCQ)
10/09/2013 Faroe Islands 0 – 3 Germany (WCQ)
Chile
23/01/2014 Chile 4 – 0 Costa Rica (Friendly)
20/11/2013 Brazil 2 – 1 Chile (Friendly)
15/11/2013 England 0 – 2 Chile (Friendly)
16/10/2013 Chile 2 – 1 Ecuador (WCQ)
11/10/2013 Colombia 3 – 3 Chile (WCQ)
Germany vs Chile Prediction
Although Germany look the favorites heading into the clash, Chile are an exciting young team who can give the best teams in the world a run for their money.
Both teams enjoyed a magnificent qualification campaign and there is every possibility that the two sides can make a lasting impact at the World Cup. Unfortunately, the two teams have been drawn in a very difficult group.
While Germany are expected to qualify from the group consisting of Portugal, Ghana and United States, Chile could struggle in a group that includes holders Spain, Netherlands and Australia.
Therefore, if Chile can cause an upset against Germany, then it will hand the South Americans a huge sense of belief going into the World Cup that they can mix it up against the traditional footballing powerhouses. On the other hand, the result may not be of primary importance to the Germans, who may choose to field an experimental side. An entertaining draw is predicted.
Germany 2 – 2 Chile.
Germany vs Chile Television
The Germany vs Chile match will be televised on Galavision, and ESPN 3.
Highlights for the Germany vs Chile match will be uploaded as soon as the match ends.
