Spain vs. Chile 2014 [World Cup Soccer Game Start Time, Watch Live Streaming Free & ESPN Schedule] Spaniards Need Win

By Chad Arias | Jun 18, 2014

On Wednesday the defending World Cup championship nation of Spain will look to redeem themselves as they take on Chile. Spain suffered a humiliating defeat at the hands of the Netherlands 5-1. With the loss to the Netherlands, Spain now sits in the third position of Group B. Their chances of winning Group B have sunk to a little less than 30 percent (online live streaming links below).

With the Chilean team comes an offense that thrives on keeping the ball in their forward 1/3. Chile is averaging one goal every 30 minutes, while the average scoring rate of all teams is around 60 minutes. Chile defeated Australia rather easily with a score of 3-1. Australia seems outmatched in Group B, so it has turned into a three-horse race.

Although Spain was completely dismantled in their opener against the Netherlands, Spain is still the defending champs. In 2010 they lost their opener and then came back to win six straight matches. Spain has the essential players and depth on their bench to pull off an amazing comeback. Because of their history Spain is favored to win against Chile but the match will be far closer than previously expected.

Spain will have to respect Chile's front line and refrain from throwing their backs too far into Chilean territory. Meaningful possessions will be an important stat for Wednesday's game. Against the Netherlands, Spain held the ball for 57 percent of the match and still they were outshot 13-9. Capitalizing on opportunities will likely decide the outcome of Spain versus Chile.

Spain's manager, Vicente del Bosque hinted that Spain would make big changes in their coming match. An adjusted line could either create or spark, or backfire and leave the Spanish team with little chemistry. Either way it's a gamble that Bosque believes has to be made.

Spain is far too prideful of a team to be eliminated this early. After their initial wakeup call against the Netherlands, Spain will be awoken and ready for action against Chile. Spain vs. Chile airs on ESPN beginning at 12 p.m. (PT). The match will be played in Estádio Maracanã, Rio de Janeiro and be streamed online from https://espn.go.com/watchespn/index.

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