It's a double celebration for Ant Meads this Wednesday as it's his birthday and Chile take on Honduras.
Chile to spice up the World Cup
The 16th of June is always an important date as it's my birthday. This year it takes on an even greater significance (if that's possible) as it's the date of Chile's first Group game against Honduras.
This year it won't just be the excessive alcohol and takeaways that leave me sweating but the fitness of Humberto Suazo. His goalscoring form in qualifying has led to him being a decent outside bet for the tournament's top scorer, especially with the group looking on paper like one of the more free scoring ones.
Suazo's hamstring tear had looked like it would keep him out longer but he travelled to South Africa with the squad and the treatment he's received will hopefully see him in contention for a starting place. Should he not make the starting line up however I have no doubt Esteban Paredes will step up to the plate and score the goals we need to start the tournament well.
Lunch
My wife had planned to take me out to lunch for my birthday celebrations but I've informed her that was only an option if we were back at home by 12.30 in time for kick off. Of course I also can't leave the house when any other games are on so I'm becoming something of a recluse for the next few weeks.
Having watched England last night the importance of a good start has really been emphasised. Capello's men now face the possibility of a second place finish which could see them play Germany in the first knock out.
Chile's situation is slightly different as with Spain in the group perhaps second is the best they can hope for. The pressure will be on to win those first two games though and ensure they make it through. (Where they will play Brazil!)
Ok, maybe I'm getting ahead of myself here but perhaps Chile need to be aiming to top the group!
In truth I'm quietly confident of 'La Roja' progressing to the next stage, especially with their last group game being against Spain. The Spanish may well have have qualified by that point and may feel they don't need to play all of their superstars before the knock out stages begin! Then perhaps we are just hoping Brazil underestimate them and we can have a real crack at the competition.
I shall blog again when I'm older and wiser and I'll no doubt be saying 'Ando con la caña' which I'm led to believe is Chilean Spanish for 'I am hungover'
Is Ant right about Suazo's goalscoring ability? Will La Roja make it past the group stages? Let us know by filling in the feedback form below...
