Chile winger delighted but cautious
Mark Gonzalez knows Chile is still in a precarious position despite winning its first two group matches, so he's not giving himself too much time to dwell on his match-winning goal against Switzerland.
Gonzalez scored with a header in the 75th minute to breach a Swiss defence that had just broken the World Cup record for clean sheets.
"Without doubt it's the best thing that's happened in my career," Gonzalez said Tuesday, describing his goal the previous night.
Switzerland had set a World Cup record in the 69th, going 551 consecutive minutes without conceding a goal to break the mark of 550 held by Italy at the 1986 and 1990 tournaments.
Chile needs a draw against Spain to top Group H, but can still be eliminated if loses to the Spanish and Switzerland beats Honduras.
After dominating Honduras and 10-man Switzerland, Chile's main worry is the lack of goals that have materialised despite the glut of chances created.
"We've had two difficult games, two games where we probably had the chance to win by more than one goal," Gonzalez said.
That inability to convert chances into goals could yet return to sting the Chile team if goal difference becomes a factor.
Finishing atop the group is also important. The winner of Group H plays the runner-up in Group G - which should mean it avoids Brazil in the Round of 16.
"As a squad, our mind is focused on going through and finishing top of the group," Gonzalez said. "It's going to be a different game (against Spain) where they are going to come out to attack.
"We will stick to our game and I'm sure they know all about our players and the way we play."
Chile coach Marcelo Bielsa will be forced to make changes for the Spain match after forward Matias Fernandez and midfielder Carlos Carmona picked up their second yellow cards of the tournament.
Carmona, a defensive midfielder, could be the biggest loss as his ability to break up opponents' passing play would have been important against Spain.
"The coach will look at the best way to cope," Gonzalez said. "Whoever is chosen will do a good job."
One player who has impressed for Chile in this World Cup is winger Alexis Sanchez. The Udinese forward's jinking runs and penetrative play have led to comparisons with Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo.
"I think he's one of the best players in the world, but I'm Alexis Sanchez and not Cristiano Ronaldo," Sanchez said of the comparisons. "I'm just trying to make my mark on the World Cup."
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