World Cup soccer – Chileans Would Be Happy With Their Scintillating Performance
South Africa on Wednesday, Chile missed chances galore before recording their first World Cup soccer win in early half a century as they scraped past Honduras 1 – 0 in their Group – H opener in Nelspruit. At the packed Mbombela stadium, Striker Kean Beausejour produced the match-winner midway through the opening session to help his team break a long standing World Cup jinx.
In the 34th minute Beausejour’s strike brought about highly emotional moment for the Chileans who had won World Cup match against Yugoslavia in 1962. There onwards they have made 13 appearances in the finals but every time the victory had eluded them. Chileans would be happy with their scintillating performance, despite penetrating defence time and again. In the 34th minute the Chileans romped ahead following a combined and well-orchestrated move. The goal-bound move initiated by Midfielder Jorge Valdivia as he broke through the defence with deft footwork from the flanks before crossing to Beausejour who only have to tap the ball in with Noel Valladares rival goalkeeper.
Honduras players undaunted by the initial setbacks manage to make a few serious forays into the Chilean goalmouth but the finishing touch was lacking to find the equalizer. Started to find their bearing with a series of attacks after the early nerves, the Chileans ranked 18th in the current FIFA rankings. In the opening session Honduras did manage to give some anxious moments but Chileans were enjoying their territorial advantage. In the 20th minute, Chile had taken the lead. The 36-year old veteran striker Carlos Pavon saw his shot go wide off the target as it was then Honduras’ turn to fritter away a chance.