Chile beat Colombia in World Cup qualifying for the first time in 11 years with a 4-0 rout on Wednesday.
Chile hadn’t won a qualifier against Colombia since 1997, also in
Santiago, and hadn’t beaten Colombia since the 1999 Copa America.
Colombia coach Jorge Luis Pinto said his team “lacked power” while
“Chile handled the ball well, played with surprise, deploying the kind
of football that must be played these days.”
“At times Chile played at an impressive rhythm,” he said.
Pinto refused to discuss whether the defeat may cost him his job.
“We are here to discuss the game. If you want to discuss the other
subject, call the president of the Colombian Football Federation.”
Coming off a 3-0 drubbing from Brazil on Sunday, Chile scored twice in each half.
Defender Gonzalo Jara notched the first in the 25th minute off a
right pass from Gary Medel, and Humberto Suazo made it 2-0 in the 38th,
picking a rebound from a Colombia defender.
Ismnael Fuentes knocked in a rebound from defender Acquivaldo
Mosquera after a corner kick by Matias Fernandez, and Fernandez netted
the fourth goal set up by Arturo Vidal.
“We played a solid, convincing game,” said Chile coach Marcelo Bielsa.
“The match opened up for us after the first goal. Until then we were having trouble in attack.”
Colombia had to make a substitution before the match when midfielder
Freddy Guarin sustained a muscle injury during pre-game training.
Carlos Sanchez took his place.
Colombia attempted several counterattacks from a midfield well
managed by Giovanni Hernandez and its best chance was by Tressor
Moreno, who hit the crossbar when Chile goalkeeper Claudio Bravo
thought the shot was wide.
Chile improved to a provisional second place in South America with
13 points from eight matches, while Colombia remained in the middle of
the 10-team race with 10. (AP)
