The Australians kept its first 2014 World Cup match against Chile within striking distance for the entire second half. However, when the men from Down Under needed a goal most during extra time, it was Chile’s Jean Beausejour who put an end to Australia’s comeback attempt in the closing moments of the match.
Beausejour found the back of the net in the 92nd minute to secure a 3-1 victory for Chile, as the South American nation notched its first three points in Group B action against Australia on June 13 at Arena Pantanal at Cuiabá, Brazil.
Chile struck first in what appeared to be an early and often approach. Alexis Sánchez beat Mathew Ryan to give Chile a 1-0 lead in the 12th minute. Less than two minutes later, Jorge Valdívia scored what ultimately proved to be the game winner.
Australia’s Tim Cahill halved the Chilean lead in the 35 th minute, but the men from Down Under would not find the back of the net for the remainder of the match.
Chile ended its scoring drought almost 78 minutes after taking a 2-0 lead when Beausjour put a nail in Australia’s coffin in extra time.
Australia was hit with three yellow cards, called for 18 fouls, took six shots on goal (13 shots overall), and only had one corner kick.
The Chileans attempted nine shots on goal (11 shots overall), had three corner kick opportunities, and was hit with only one yellow card.
Chile controlled 62 percent of the match’s possessions.
The 2014 World Cup continues with four matches on Saturday.
Columbia and Greece begin opens Group C play on Saturday morning at 9 a.m. Los Angeles time, followed by Group D action with Uruguay facing Costa Rica at 12 noon.
The mid-afternoon match features the other Group D countries, England and Italy, going at it while Japan and the Ivory Coast (Côte d’Ivoire) take the pitch at 6 p.m.
Australia returns to the pitch June 18 versus The Netherlands, immediately followed by Spain and Chile.
